Thomas Stein Murder Trial: Prior tampering charges at the center of day 5

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Day 5 is underway for 18-year-old Thomas Stein, who is charged in the death of 15-year-old Kayla Rincon-Miller in Cape Coral.

• RELATED: Thomas Stein murder trial: Witnesses describe night teen was killed

Thursday began with hearing from the two girls who were with Rincon-Miller that night.

They said an SUV pulled up, all four doors opened, and several boys ran up to them, demanding money with guns. Multiple forensic specialists testified Friday morning.

A couple of months after Rincon-Miller's death, the aunt, mother and father of Horne were arrested for witness tampering. They were accused of threatening Jessica Stein, Thomas Stein's mother, but those charges were dropped in 2025.

The state revealed on Friday that it was because of a secret recording they were given that showed what really happened.

"This recording was the most disturbing thing because I charged three people based on the word of Ms. Stein," the state said. "If I could have charged Jessica Stein with perjury, I would have, but I can't because I can't use the recording."

Christopher Horne Jr., the other suspect being charged in Rincon-Miller's death, is expected to testify against Thomas Stein.

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