Co-Defendant Testifies Against Others In Knoxville Homicide
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The driveby gunfire on Brownsville Road in Knoxville back in September killed 15-year-old Curtis Pounds, a Carrick High School student and football player. Two others were injured by the gunfire.
Daquan Moore, Romier Nevels, Antwan Martinez, Keyshawn Givens and Eric Wormsley are all charged in connection with the shooting.
On Friday, just as the hearing began, Antwan Martinez waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was called as a prosecution witness. Attorney Blaine Jones represents Martinez and said he was advised of his rights and risks, and the prosecutor said he was promised no deal. Martinez testified he was picked up as a passenger as the others looked to retaliate for a prior shooting.
"They picked me up and we were riding around Mt. Oliver," he testified.
"Nevels fired a 9mm out the window. Givens fired a .22 long gun out the window. I saw the shooting, I saw him drop," testified Martinez.
Some of the other defense attorneys argued Martinez testimony contradicted his previous statements and they doubt there's no deal.
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"I don't know how somebody's going to be able to be believed when he's the sole witness who had lied under oath previously," said defense attorney James Wymard who represents Keyshawn Givens. "How are you going to believe him when he's testifying before a jury? He's just not credible."
"I find it hard to believe that Blaine Jones would flip a client to testify against the defendants in this case without expecting some favorable treatment," said defense attorney Bill Difenderfer, who represents Eric Wormsley. "You know the Commonwealth completely denied that he was getting any favorable treatment. I find that extremely hard to believe."
"Well I would find it very shocking that he did this entirely out of the goodness of his heart," said defense attorney Chris Conrad, who represents Romier Nevels. "I'm sure he expects something whether or not it was presented to him in any particular fashion and you heard denials today but i think the case will reveal a little more of that at a later time.'
Even so, District Judge Anthony Saveikis found there was enough evidence to hold the remaining four defendants on all charges
So issues regarding what Martinez could expect in exchange for his testimony and regarding Martinez credibility will be dealt with at trial.