🔫 Soto denies knowledge of weapon in fatal robbery case
Former prison officer shot dead in robbery gone wrong
Eric Brian Williams Soto (23) has denied any knowledge of the firearm used in a fatal robbery that took place in April 2022, leading to the death of former prison officer Harry Elliott. Soto confessed to planning the robbery with Justin Kyle Jackson, but insists he was unaware of any weapons being involved. Soto's testimony comes after Jackson, who is accused of shooting Elliott, declined to share his side of the story with the jury. 🚔
Soto, who has no previous convictions, was arrested in November, several months after the murder. He admitted to lying to the police out of fear, stating he had never been in such a situation before. Soto's account of the night of the robbery involves him, Jackson, and a third man named Caine Thomas driving around town before Thomas suggested the idea of the robbery. Soto agreed to the robbery due to his low income from his maintenance job. 🏦
According to Soto, he and Jackson were dropped off near the location by Thomas, who gave Soto a jacket and face covering. Soto claims he was unaware of the nature of the business they were robbing or how the robbery was supposed to unfold. After entering the location and encountering Elliott, Soto heard a loud bang and ran, realizing that Jackson had a gun. Soto maintains that he was unaware of Elliott's death until two weeks later and denies any threats or pressure to commit the robbery. The case is ongoing. 🔍
