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By all accounts, Zaevion Dobson died a hero. Two girls said he shielded them from gunmens’ bullets on Dec. 17, 2015. Now three men stand trial for his death. Court continues Monday in a Knox County, Tennessee courtroom. Cops said Christopher Drone Bassett, 22, Kipling Colbert Jr., 22, and Richard Gregory Williams III, 23, were among two car fulls of shooters who opened fire that day. They are charged with first-degree murder. The trio also face charges of first-degree attempted murder, and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony. Bassett was also indicted on a count of unlawful possession of a weapon.
Prosecutors are trying to place the defendants at the scene of the shooting. In testimony Thursday, the defense pointed out when witnesses could not identify the killers, or when a description was inconsistent with other evidence.
DOBSON TRIAL: During cross examination, defense attorney pointed out Louis could not identify the shooters when presented a line up the night Zaevion was shot and killed.
— Kelly Reinke (@WATEKellyReinke) December 7, 2017
DOBSON TRIAL: A defense attorney said Faith had more of a description about the men during a taped interview with police the night Zaevion was shot and killed. The attorney said Faith told police she saw one taller man and one shorter one.
— Kelly Reinke (@WATEKellyReinke) December 7, 2017
A Knoxville Police Department officer testified Friday that he confiscated Williams’ .40 caliber handgun during a traffic stop. Prosecutors claim this weapon ended Dobson’s life.
The state also puts a lot of weight on a rap music video. A three defendants appeared on it, and they brought up an expert witness, gang expert Tom Walker. He said the footage was about membership in the Bloods gang.
Stay with Law&Crime.com and the Law&Crime Network for continuing coverage of the trial.
[From left: Williams, Bassett, Colbert]
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