The second trial of Austin Ford, a 21-year-old Georgia man accused of murdering his best friend, Tori Lang, ended in a mistrial on August 11, 2023, leaving the question of her death unresolved. Both trials, held in April and August 2023, focused on whether the 18-year-old Lang’s death in 2021 was a homicide or suicide. Ford faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Tori Lang, 18, was found deceased under a tree in a Gwinnett County park. (Gwinnett County Police Department)
The crux of the case revolves around conflicting narratives and the ambiguous nature of the evidence. While the prosecution contends that Ford played a role in Lang’s death, the defense maintains Lang died by suicide. The medical examiner’s testimony, stating the cause of death couldn’t be definitively ruled a homicide, further complicated the jury’s deliberation.
The Conflicting Accounts and Unanswered Questions
Initially, Ford denied being with Lang at the park on the night of her death. However, confronted with cell phone and email records placing him at the scene, he later admitted to driving Lang to the park, claiming he feared for her safety due to her suicidal ideations. He alleges he wrestled a gun away from Lang, placed it on the ground, and as he attempted to comfort her, she retrieved the weapon and shot herself.
Ford then described panicking, taking the gun, and fleeing in Lang’s car, which was later found burned two miles away. He denies setting the car ablaze, claiming ignorance about its fate. He was convicted of theft for removing the vehicle from the scene in the first trial.
Austin Ford in court during his murder trial. (Court TV)
The Prosecution’s Case: Lies and Circumstantial Evidence
Prosecutor Norris Lewis emphasized Ford’s initial lies to investigators and Lang’s family, pointing to these inconsistencies as evidence of guilt. While acknowledging the undetermined manner of death, the prosecution argued that the circumstantial evidence, combined with Ford’s presence at the scene, strongly suggests his involvement in Lang’s death. The prosecution presented additional witnesses in the second trial, attempting to bolster their case despite the medical examiner’s inconclusive findings.
The Defense’s Argument: Reasonable Doubt and Suicide
The defense focused on raising reasonable doubt, highlighting the unknowns in the case and emphasizing Ford’s claim that he did not want his friend to die. They leaned heavily on the medical examiner’s inability to definitively rule Lang’s death a homicide, arguing that the evidence, while circumstantial, supports the theory of suicide.
The Trials and Mistrials: A Search for Justice Delayed
Both trials resulted in hung juries, unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of murder. Following the second mistrial, the legal teams are scheduled to meet to determine the next steps. The defense will file a motion for bond, while the prosecution faces a deadline to retry the case or potentially dismiss the charges. This legal limbo leaves both families grappling with uncertainty and prolongs the search for answers in Tori Lang’s tragic death.
Detailed Trial Updates: A Timeline of the Second Trial
DAY 1 – 8/8/23:
- Twelve witnesses testified, two more than in the first trial, focusing on shell casing evidence.
- The prosecution emphasized Ford’s lies and presented their case for homicide despite the undetermined manner of death.
- The defense urged the jury to focus on the facts supporting suicide.
- The medical examiner detailed her belief that Lang was lying down when shot and expressed doubt about self-inflicted injury. She noted blood transfer on Lang’s leg, suggesting another person was present.
DAY 2 – 8/9/23:
- The medical examiner continued her testimony, seemingly leaning toward suicide based on the difficulty of another person inflicting the fatal wound.
- Investigators testified about Lang’s suicidal thoughts based on interviews with her mother.
- The jury reviewed Ford’s police interview and a phone call between Ford and a detective.
- An incident involving Ford’s mother taking a photo in court led to a scheduled hearing.
DAY 3 – 8/10/23:
- Closing arguments were presented by both the prosecution and defense.
- The voluntary manslaughter charge was dropped following a defense motion.
- The jury deliberated for several hours, requesting to review Ford’s police interview.
DAY 4 – 8/11/23:
- Deliberations continued, with the jury reviewing exhibits including the demonstrative weapon.
- The jury declared deadlock, prompting an Allen charge from the judge.
- After further deliberation, the jury again declared deadlock, resulting in a mistrial.
- A meeting was scheduled to discuss potential sentencing on previous convictions or a third trial.
- The defense announced plans to file a motion for bond.
- Speedy trial deadlines were discussed, with potential extensions under consideration.
