Thomas Roy Stein, 18, began his trial in Fort Myers, Florida, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, facing charges for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Kayla Rincon-Miller. Stein has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder with a firearm and three counts of attempted robbery regarding the March 17, 2024, incident.
Prosecutors told the jury that Rincon-Miller was walking with two friends toward a McDonald’s after a movie when a silver SUV confronted them. The vehicle, later identified as a Hertz rental in the name of Stein’s mother, allegedly blinded the girls with high beams before two armed men emerged to demand their bags.
The State presented opening statements detailing how the robbery attempt escalated into a homicide. Surveillance footage captured the vehicle making a U-turn to target the group before the shooting occurred, as reported by Court TV.
During his initial encounter with law enforcement, the defendant claimed the situation was a fabrication intended to frame him. Officers noted the interaction in a reviewed report.
“he learned of the investigation through Instagram and explained that he believed the homicide was a ‘setup,'” said officers in a report reviewed by Court TV.
Stein halted the discussion immediately after the comment to seek legal representation. The prosecution argues that a specific action by the defendant caused the victim’s death.
“‘ Trigger Pull’ by Thomas Stein Led to Teen’s Death” said prosecutors.
The defense countered that Stein is being used as a scapegoat in the absence of physical evidence. They specifically targeted the credibility of the co-defendant, Christopher Horne Jr., who accepted a plea deal to testify against Stein.
Horne pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and three counts of attempted robbery in exchange for a 25-year prison sentence. His sentencing is set for May 19, provided he fulfills his obligation to cooperate with the State.
