Witness in 5-year-old’s murder trial could be arrested

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Officials say a key witness in a 5-year-old’s murder case is still not cooperating.

The state has had enough. They officially named the witness in open court, then told the judge she has one more opportunity to come and explain why she should not be held in contempt of court.

There was no answer from the courtroom when the state prosecutor asked if Cashae Smith was present.

Smith is the witness the state says helped put Thomas Edison and Terrance Irons behind bars. The men are accused of killing 5-year-old Andrew Faust Jr. in a drive-by shooting in 2014.

At the time, the key witness said it was a silly neighborhood feud between groups, that took Faust’s life.

But, since the men’s arrests, Smith has not been cooperating with authorities.

WINK News spoke exclusively to Faust’s mother, who says she knew the witness wouldn’t show, but she hasn’t given up hope.

“Every time I leave court, I stop by his grave site, to talk to him, let him know, it’s still alive, justice will be served, justice will be served,” said Toyetta Simpson.

Several friends of Edison’s were in the courtroom, screaming “happy birthday” to the alleged killer. The bailiffs had to tell them to calm down.

“We are in the court of law, we are there for my son who was murdered, not for a birthday party or anything along those lines. It’s not a joke,” said Simpson.

WINK News has also learned exclusively, that Edison plans to use an alibi defense in trial. He has six witnesses that will testify he was at a home on Diana Avenue when the shooting took place.

Edison will be back in court in May, asking for his bond to be reduced.

If the witness continues to refuse to cooperate, she could be arrested.