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Hernando Today

Trial Set Again For Beating Suspects

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: February 6, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - If all goes as planned, the two suspects accused of beating a popular figure known as "The Walker" will stand trial next week.

Monday is the fourth scheduled trial date for Jamie Tyson and Michael Vann, who are charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the attack on John Kelly.

Kelly has walked Hernando County's roads for at least 15 years and his familiar face was part of the reason he was targeted, investigators say.

Tyson and Vann are accused of pushing him into a deep ditch alongside Cortez Boulevard, near Deltona Boulevard, and beating him with a stick and metal rebar. They stole $100 and pedaled away on their bicycles, leaving a bloody Kelly to stagger out of the ditch and get help at a nearby fire station, according to arrest affidavits.

Family members said Kelly spent months in the intensive care unit and came close to dying several times.

The duo was first scheduled for trial in May, then October and finally, December. Part of the delay was due to Tyson and Vann's lawyers changing defense tactics and introducing new witnesses.

A third suspect, Anthony Hawkins, pleaded guilty in December 2007.

Tyson is scheduled to go first because he is expected to be a witness in Vann's trial.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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