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By
Jasmine Milbourne
- July 9, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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A witness in a McCulloh Street murder took the stand on July 9 to deny his original statement to the police. During the hearing, he claimed he was unable to remember what happened the day of the incident.
In a recording of the witness’ initial interview, he was seen and heard recounting the alleged events that led to the death of 23-year-old Montez Barrett on April 24, 2024.
The witness admitted to being the driver of the car and advised the lead detective that he and Barrett drove downtown and picked up a Black male identified as “Man Man.” The prosecution clarified that Man Man is a nickname for defendant Maurice Jones, 29.
After the trio drove around, Jones allegedly shot at both Barrett and the witness. Jones and the witness then got out of the car and fled in opposite directions.
The video showed the witness visibly upset while detailing the death of Barrett, whom he called his brother. When asked about Jones’ relationship to Barrett, the witness called Jones a “friend of a friend.”
The witness also told the police he did not want to testify regarding the incident, but complied with giving a statement after police told him doing so would bring peace to Barrett’s family.
The witness said that he might have called his mother after the incident, but noted he could not remember the day clearly.
After playing the entire interview in court, the prosecution continued their questioning from the day prior. The witness maintained he could not remember what was discussed during the interview, claiming he was “discombobulated.”
In video footage admitted into evidence, the witness mentioned seeing a black gun being drawn. However, he later recanted the statement, citing difficulties remembering the events leading up to the incident.
Defense attorney James Sweeting is expected to cross-examine the witness later this afternoon.