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On Monday, the trial of Marcus and Markieff Morris, begins in Phoenix. The twins, who are also NBA players, are charged with felonies for allegedly taking part in the beating of Erik Hood, 36, outside a recreation center on Jan. 24, 2015.
Hood told police that he was talking to a friend of the Morris brothers when he was attacked from behind. Five men, including the twins, allegedly joined in the attack as Hood tried to escape, punching and kicking him. Officials say the alleged assailants took off in a Rolls Royce. Hood claimed to suffer a broken nose and various bruises to the head.
Authorities say the beating was the culmination of a long-standing feud between Hood and the Morris twins that goes back to 2010. Police say the attack was allegedly in response to Hood sending a text message to Marcus and Markieff’s mother that they didn’t like.
Three others have been charged in the alleged assault, with two men pleading guilty last week. The Morris brothers each face up to four years in prison if they are convicted of aggravated assault, in addition to any discipline the NBA might issue, which could take the form of lengthy suspensions. Marcus Morris joined the Boston Celtics this off-season, and Markieff Morris is a forward for the Washington Wizards.
Stay with LawNewz.com and the LawNewz Network for continuing coverage of the trial.
[Image via SBNation screengrab]
