NORFOLK, Va. — A mistrial was declared after a jury was unable to reach a verdict for the suspect in the murder of a college football player.
Keith Bryant is accused of killing William & Mary football player Nate Evans outside of an ODU house party in Norfolk in 2019.
Closing arguments were held on Friday morning. Throughout the trial, prosecutors claimed Bryant shot Evans while watching over a marijuana sale for his friend, Kri’Shawn Beamon, outside of a house party. Bryant’s attorneys claimed it was actually Beamon who shot Evans twice in the back.
Norfolk Police arrested Beamon shortly after the shooting in 2019 and charged him with second-degree murder and robbery. Bryant was then arrested three years later, after Beamon told police Bryant pulled the trigger. Bryant is charged with first-degree murder and gun charges.
Phone records place Bryant near the scene that night. Both sides have an alleged confession from each man charged in the case, but neither has proof of those alleged confessions.
Jurors spent approximately five hours deliberating before concluding a verdict could not be reached.
Bryant's attorney, James Broccoletti, told reporters he is disappointed by the jury's indecision.
"I thought the evidence came out exactly as we expected. I thought the evidence established clearly that the Commonwealth failed in every way, shape or form to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Obviously, several jurors felt otherwise and I respect their decision, but I disagree with it."
He said Bryant's family members are upset by the outcome as well.
"Distraught, upset, frustrated. Very difficult for them, as I am sure it's difficult for the Evans family, as well. I'm sure they wanted some closure," said Broccoletti.
Brandi Evans, Nate Evans' mother, said they will not stop fighting for her son.
"No justice was served today. After five long years, my family has patiently waited. We have fought," she said. "Unfortunately, the jury was unable to reach a decision and so the fight continues."
She said she wants her son to be remembered for the wonderful man he was, not for the way he died.
"A beautiful life was violently and senselessly stolen. This was not just any life, this was an extraordinary life," she said. "This young man was equally beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside, with a smile that lit up every room he entered."
She describes her son as a star athlete, a proponent for social justice, and a selfless friend.
"He was particularly saddened by violence among young, Black men. Nate used his love and acceptance of others to bring people together that otherwise wouldn't be. Regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or religious background."
Evans said her son loved with his whole heart.
"He spread love and joy everywhere he went. I think everyone should be a little more like him. His legacy will go far beyond his 19 years of life," she said. "Nate was sunshine and joy."
Because the judge declared a mistrial, a new jury will likely hear the case.
"Nobody wants to go through this again. To endure four days of hardship, trauma, pain, and emotion. No one wants to do that again," said Broccoletti.
Beamon’s trial, meanwhile, is set for June.