MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida couple arrested and accused of battery and robbery claimed they were the real victims and were simply defending themselves.
Miami Beach residents Jesse Jones and Ryan Kennedy said there’s more to the story than what police saw on video footage.
Body camera footage from the Miami Beach Police Department captured officers taking Jones into custody in front of her house, April 6.
“This is unbelievable. Unreal,” said Jones in the video.
Kennedy, her husband, was also arrested that night.
The couple was arrested for battery and robbery following an ugly brawl near 14th Street and Meridian Avenue, in South Beach.
“I’ve done nothing wrong,” said Jones.
They are accused of beating up a woman and her 18-year-old relative.
But the couple said police and prosecutors got it wrong.
“Look at my face,” said Jones.
Attorney Michael Grieco said the video only showed part of the story, which he said started off camera and blocks away.
“My clients were victims,” said Grieco.
He said his clients were followed home and attacked by the woman and the 18-year-old after a road rage incident between both parties.
The footage shows Kennedy getting kicked in the face.
“This is crazy,” said Jones.
Jones was so beaten up, she went to the hospital before jail.
The charges came with hate crime enhancements stemming from comments made during the fight, which Grieco said his clients regret.
“[My client] regrets it, but it wasn’t a crime,” said Greico.
On Monday, the arrested couple appeared in court, where prosecutors said they now needed more time to learn about the case and asked the judge for a continuance.
“Why do we arrest people if we’re not ready to prosecute?” said a judge.
“My clients are being accused of robbery and battery in front of their own house, which is ridiculous, in a vacuum, and should be looked at with some skepticism,” said Grieco.
What occurred the night of April 6 needs to be evaluated before the case can fully be resolved.
The couple was also charged with strong-arm robbery after taking the victim’s phone, which they claim was a mistake.
As the fight took place, phones were scattered on the ground, and the couple took the phone they thought was theirs.
The judge has granted attorneys for the couple a continuance until November. Jones and Kennedy are expected back in court on Nov. 14.
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