Trial begins in killing over parking space

LARGO -- The trial of the man accused of killing 17-year-old Boca Ciega High School student Jermairio Nesbitt began Tuesday. Marquis Woods, 27, is charged with first-degree murder and will face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Jermairio, a 17-year-old Boca Ciega High School student, had spent the day at the mall with friends. He bought new shoes and school clothes. The 6-foot, 240-pound boy -- who teachers considered a giant teddy bear -- also went to football practice that day. He hoped to follow in his older brother's footsteps by going to college the next year to play football.

On July 27, 2005, Jermairio and three friends went to a St. Petersburg club holding a teen dance. Outside the club, Jermairio apparently cut off another car when he pulled into a parking space. Words were exchanged. Jermairio turned down his music -- A Lil Wayne CD -- and put his mother's silver Mazda into reverse.

"I'm gonna move," Jermairio said to the people in the other car. "But you don't have to talk to me like that."

Seconds later, shots were fired. Jermairio was hit three times and killed. The car rolled out of the parking lot, across the street and into a tree.

Click here to read more of our coverage of the incident and the trial.

Chris Tisch, Times staff writer