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The prosecution began presenting testimony in the Ricky Norwood murder retrial in Marion County Court on Tuesday.

Norwood was found guilty in his first trial in October 2023 for the 2015 murder of Dustin Rhynes but never sentenced after Marion County Resident Circuit Court Judge Mark Stedelin determined misconduct on the part of one of the jurors who did her own investigation and shared information jury members were not allowed to hear.

In his opening statement, State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth admitted this was not a perfect case.   According to Hudspeth, the jury would hear about Norwood’s sister going to a home where Rhynes was at and becoming involved in an argument.   She then went to Norwood’s home.    Norwood later left his home and while he was gone gunshots were heard.   A second person at the home was also shot and was later found with a gunshot wound.

Norwood’s attorney, Dennis Hatch, deferred his opening statement until later in the trial.

The first prosecution witnesses included former Centralia Police Officer Billy White saying police were looking for a second shooting victim after Charles Collins had been found shot near Fireside Nursing Home and had been taken to the hospital for treatment.    Later in the morning, police were called to an alley off Haussler Street where Rhynes was found cold to the touch.   No weapons were found at the scene.

Retired State Police Crime Scene Investigator William Fritchey explained his investigation found Rhynes had a single gunshot wound to the back.

Other prosecution witnesses testified about the crime scene and autopsy before testimony ended for the day.   The trial is expected to continue into Friday.