Key witnesses in murder case in trouble with judge

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Prosecutors in a the case of a slain baby complained enough for a judge to order witnesses be dragged in to explain why they had not appeared in court, as directed.

Homer and Elaine Darby stood before Hillsborough Judge Tom Barber Wednesday. The two are key witnesses in a murder case against Deander Gilmore, but refused to be questioned under oath. 

Judge Barber made it clear, they were going to today's depositions, or else.

"You need to be there. If you're, not I hold you in contempt and I throw you in jail, and then we do your deposition in jail," Judge Barber said.

Homer Darby responded, "we'll be there, we'll be there."

It's been two years since the tragic death of baby Mayla Pressley. Gilmore told police he was babysitting his girlfriend's baby when the 1-year-old accidently slipped and fell in the bath tub.

But prosecutors say it was no accident. They say he beat the baby to death.

Now, witnesses who have dodged questions on this case for years will finally have to answer for their actions.