Published: May 06, 2008 08:43 pm            

Gang member, ex-con testify in murder trial

By Debby Schamber

The Orange Leader



The state rested Tuesday in the murder trial of 30-year-old James Brocklehurst, who is accused of killing 28-year-old John Talbert on Jan. 14, 2006.

Trial testimony started Monday with Orange Police officers who were involved in investigating the murder scene. Tuesday began with a barrage of witnesses, most of whom are convicted felons — some who are still even incarcerated.

Adrian Wallace, 32, who was a fellow member of the Crips gang with Brocklehurst, testified he was with him on the night of the shooting. Wallace told jurors he was the one who gave Brocklehurst the gun that fired the fatal shot which killed Talbert.

Wallace added Brocklehurst was “furious” Talbert had stiffed him on a previous drug deal two weeks prior to the shooting. He noted, however, he did not see Brocklehurst hit Talbert in the mouth with the gun, as other witnesses said in statements to police.

One thing Wallace remained adamant about was, “There is no doubt in my mind that he (Brocklehurst) is the shooter.”

Wallace said he witnessed the shooting and watched as Talbert’s vehicle drove away.

“After It crashed I took off running,” Wallace said. “The next day my homeboys came and told me I was wanted for murder.”



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