Slaying victim's brother says accused killer did not kill his brother

Co-defendant awaiting murder trial

SAN ANTONIO – Kerry Gittens, 25, is on trial for murder in the shooting death of Antwan Jones. During Wednesday’s testimony, the victim’s brother said Gittens isn’t his brother’s killer.

David O’Neal told the court told about how Gittens and Tyree Byrd, 25, burst into their home on Vine Street on the night of Nov. 15, 2014, shouting, “We’re here to get something.”

O’Neal said the men then went into his brother’s room.

“Gunshots. It was two shots,” O’Neal said when prosecutors asked about what he heard after Gittens and Byrd went into his brother’s room.

O’Neal testified that he dashed into his brother’s room and found him mortally wounded.

“He had his hands up and he was against the wall, and then he just fell. I started seeing blood smear from him falling off the wall onto the floor,” O’Neal said.

During cross examination, O’Neal said Gittens didn’t shoot his brother.

If convicted, Gittens faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Byrd is free on bail awaiting trial on murder charges.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.