In opening statements, Raymond Roseboro‘s defense attorney argued that his client could not have killed 16-year-old Prince Okorie because he was scheduled to meet with a career councilor at the same time Okorie was shot to death in Petworth.
But that counselor testified today that he was running late that day and did not meet with Roseboro until later in the evening.
Okorie was killed around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2010. Prosecutor Steven Gripkey contends Roseboro shot Okorie in the back of the head and in the face at close range while the two walked to a nearby store with two other friends.
One witness for the prosecution, a young man who said he was a friend of Okorie’s and an associate of Roseboro’s, said he, Okorie, Roseboro, and another friend were walking together to a shop when he heard a gunshot ring out. In one movement he started running from the scene and saw Okorie collapse, he told the court.
The young man said he didn’t see who shot Okorie and that he wasn’t aware of any arguments in the group.
“We was laughing,” he said.
Lyn Dyson, the career counselor, testified that he was scheduled to meet with Roseboro at 4:30 p.m. the day Okorie was killed, but that due to meetings he was late and probably met with Roseboro at about 6 or 6:15 p.m.
He said when he saw Roseboro that night he appeared “cool, chilled out, matter of fact.”
The jury is expected back Monday morning. Judge Russell Canan told jurors that the case could be sent to them that same day.
