State rests its case in Collier County attempted murder trial

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Jurors heard new evidence Monday in the trial over the 2023 attempted murder shooting of Scotty McCandless and Amy Chesser, as prosecutors moved closer to resting their case.

The trial centers on defendants Rebecca Gabay and Ryan Toranzo, who are accused in connection to the June 1, 2023, shooting along Immokalee Road.

Cellphone data, DNA and travel records presented

Investigators with the Collier County Sheriff's Office testified about cell phone data tied to co-defendant Julian Wolf, who has been cooperating with the state.

A digital forensics expert told jurors Wolf’s phone showed movement between Pure Audio, a business owned by Gabay, his job, his home and areas near Gabay and Toranzo’s residence the night of the shooting.

Prosecutors said those locations align with Wolf’s testimony about his movements before and after the shooting.

Jurors also heard from a DNA analyst who testified no DNA from Wolf or Toranzo was found inside the van used in the shooting.

Experts said that it is not unusual, especially if a vehicle has been wiped down or exposed to the elements. Wolf previously testified that he and Toranzo cleaned the van after the shooting.

Investigators detail actions after shooting

Testimony also focused on activity in the days following the shooting.

Detectives said Gabay and Toranzo left the country just days later, flying to London before returning to Florida.

Financial records presented in court showed money being transferred from Pure Audio’s business account into Gabay’s personal account after the shooting and after Wolf was arrested.

When questioned by investigators at Miami International Airport, detectives said Toranzo denied involvement and appeared nervous when confronted with evidence.

Investigators testified Gabay denied knowing Wolf and said the van used in the shooting should not have left her business the night of June 1.

A lead detective also told jurors she could not identify Toranzo at a gas pump from surveillance video, saying the image quality was too blurry.

Defense challenges investigation

Defense attorneys pushed back on the state’s case, questioning how thoroughly investigators pursued potential evidence.

They argued that certain video footage and search warrants were not obtained and suggested that investigators may have overlooked other leads.

Attorneys also asked the judge for an acquittal, but that request was denied.

What’s next

The judge asked both Gabay and Toranzo if they planned to testify. Both declined.

The trial is expected to continue Tuesday after the state rested its case Monday, with closing arguments expected soon.

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