TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The parents of a Taylor County man sentenced to life for the murder of his aunt are hoping for a new trial for their son.
In April, Garrett Arrowood was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Shelly Strickland.
Garrett's parents went to court last week to ask the judge to consider what they say is new evidence that will prove their son is innocent.
They said this information is critical in reopening the case and filing for a new trial.
Last week, the family reported that they recently came across a surveillance photo via email.
It showed Garrett at a Tallahassee pawn shop on the day investigators believed that Shelly Strickland was killed.
They've asked the judge to subpoena records from a Jacksonville pawn shop they said Garrett was at earlier in the day.
The Arrowoods said that once they get these records approved, it will strengthen their case before filing for a new trial.
Lisa Arrowood, Garrett's mother said, "Things that should be simple -- they're just made very difficult, and we just wonder why. I mean, is the bottom line -- are we not all after the truth here? We all want justice. We want to know who killed my sister, and it just seems like we run into a wall every time we try to do that."
The family also asked the judge to disclose transcripts from Garrett's grand jury deliberations.
The judge said he'll take both requests under advisement. He gave both sides five days to submit orders and after that, he'll let both sides know of his decision.
The state attorney's office said that as of right now, the defense has filed nothing regarding a motion for a new trial and so the case cannot move forward.
The Arrowood family said that, regardless of what the judge decides, they will file that motion and get the case reopened.
