The trial of De’Marquise Elkins, charged in the murder of a 13-month-old.
The story
De’Marquise Elkins, an 18-year-old from Brunswick on the Georgia coast, is being tried for murder in the shooting death of a 13-month-old during a robbery last March. His mother, Karimah Elkins is also on trial. Police say she lied to them and helped get rid of the .22-caliber handgun used in the robbery.
The shooting got national attention, and the trial was moved to Cobb County because of community divisions in Brunswick and extensive publicity.
Police allege De’Marquise Elkins and another teenager tried to rob Sherry West, walking her 13-month-old, Antonio Santiago, in a stroller. They say when West did not hand over money, Elkins shot her in the leg and shot Antionio between the eyes. His teen-aged accomplice is expected to testify against him.
Defense attorneys cast aspersions on the police work done, asking in opening statements if police focused on the wrong suspects and saying officers were under tremendous pressure to make an arrest.
Wednesday’s testimony
The prosecution continued to present witnesses including police officers, who told what they saw and found. A defense attorney questioned them as well, zeroing in on whether police properly handled evidence. Also Elkins’ alleged accomplice, 15-year-old Dominique Lang took the stand without the jury present for a hearing. Elkins’ attorney tried to get Lang’s identification of Elkins as the shooter ruled inadmissible as evidence. The judge said Lang could testify.
What’s happening Thursday
Testimony will continue.
The case is expected to last more than a week.
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