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'''Brandon Michael Ward''' (b. [[August 9]], [[1986]]) is a former U.S. Marine convicted of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for a [[June 25]], [[2006]] incident in which he stabbed two men, [[Joseph Hall]] and [[Joseph Ruinatoc]]. Hall died from the injuries. Ward was sentenced to life in prison on [[July 19]], [[2007]].

After being comforted by others at the party, Sparling was driven to her [[Munson Highway]] home by Ruinato, Hall and another teenage girl, [[Lacey Moores]]. When they arrived, Ward's car was present though Ward was no where to be seen. Ward approached from behind the victims and drew their attention to him. Holding one hand behind his back while approaching Hall and Ruinato Ward shouted at them and they yelled back and walked towards him as well. As soon as he was close enough A fight ensued, during which Ward produced a butterfly knife and stabbed both Hall and Ruinato three times. (A major issue of contention at Ward's subsequent [[#Trial|trial]] was whether the stabbings were unprovoked or in self-defense.) Hall was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries and Ruinato suffered a stab wound to the left shoulder, chest, and lower abdomen.

Thomas portrayed the fatal altercation as being instigated by Hall and Ruinato, citing the former's MySpace page — which had the address "joehallwillkillyourfamily"<ref>http://myspace.com/joehallwillkillyourfamily</ref> and featured a violent music video by the band Waking the Cadaver<ref>"Networking sites play new rols in legal battles." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 19, 2007.</ref> — as an alleged indicator of Hall's violent tendencies. The prosecution claimed Prosecutors argued that the attacks were unprovoked, citing testimony from witness Lacey Moores, who said Ward was had been hiding in the bushes when before emerging and stabbing the others arrivedtwo men. This contradicted her initial sworn statement in which she claimed Hall and Ruinato "ran after" Ward.<ref>"Ward said 'he had messed up.'" ''Pensacola News Journal'', May 17, and that the stabbings were unprovoked2007.</ref>

A jury found Ward guilty on [[May 24]], [[2007]]. <ref>"Ward guilty." ''Pensacola News Journal'', May 25, 2007.</ref> On [[July 19]], [[2007]], Ward was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge [[Ron Swanson]] to serve life in prison for the murder of Hall. He received an additional 25-year sentence for the attempted murder of Ruinato, which Ward will serve concurrently.<ref>"Ward gets life" ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 19, 2007.</ref>

==Second trial==On [[July 16]], [[2009]], Ward was granted a new trial by the First District Court of Appeals, on the grounds that jury instructions in the first trial were incorrectly worded.<ref>"Ex-marine gets new trial in Milton death." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 17, 2009.</ref>On October 15, 2010 the second trial brought a verdict of manslaughter for Joe Hall and 2nd degree attempted murder for Joey Ruinato. ==References=={{reflist|2}}