Gang Members On Trial For Murder
Security is tightened and a jury is seated, as two young man prepare to stand trial in a murder case that sparked a wave of gang-related violence in the Scenic City. Suspected gang leader Michael Daniels is accused of ordering Timothy Evans to take another man's life. Now, both of them will stand trial for the June 2006 shooting death of Adrian Patton.
The jury was seated Tuesday morning and at about 12:30, the sequestered jurors were sent home to pack for the several days they'll be spending at the courthouse. Only the opening arguments were heard on Tuesday, but the victim's family says it's the first step toward justice.
Gloria Griffin is Patton's aunt and said, "We hope, our family, that justice is served for what they did, it's been a long two years waiting til this day."
The day Michael Daniels and Timothy Evans walk into court to faces charges of first degree murder in the death of Adrian Patton back in June of 2006. Once the jury was selected, opening arguments were heard, first from the prosecution saying these mens' gang affiliation with skyline bloods led to this murder.
Prosecuting attorney Neil Pinkston says, "A gang murder that Michael Daniels, young gangster, and Timothy Evans, baby gangster, are guilty of first degree premeditated murder."
But the defense attorneys said while these defendants were known gang members, that doesn't mean Daniels ordered the murder, or that Evans carried it out and pulled the trigger.
Daniels' attorney, Jesse Dalton, says, "Mr. Evans is in fact a young gangster, not a baby gangster, just like Mr. Daniels, and he's very proud of the fact that he was and he doesn't take no orders from Michael Daniels."
But after Patton's family listened in court today... they said they still think Daniels is just as guilty as Evans.
Patton's cousin, Roshundra Griffin, says, "To look at them, and I just feel like Michael has no remorse, you did the crime do the time."
As for Patton's involvement in the shooting that police say caused his death, his family says he's innocent.
His other cousin, Robyn Griffin, says, "When he heard about the girl's house being shot up he said he didn't agree with that, he didn't like it."
While his aunt states, "I'm just not familiar with and know nothing about my nephew being in a gang. It was a senseless, murder, a death that could have been avoided."
Daniels is already serving 37 months for federal gun crimes. The second day of trial will begin Wednesday morning at 8:45. Depend on us to continue following this murder trial.
