‘Why would Tyler kill his best friend?’ Trial continues for teen accused of murder

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Day two of the murder trial of a Wilmington teen wrapped up Tuesday evening with one big change. According to Tyler Yee’s defense attorney Russell Davis, Yee is now being tried for second degree murder.

Jury selection began Monday and finished this afternoon. Yee, now 18, is accused of killing his best friend 17-year-old Raymond Kain.

Yee was originally charged with first degree murder. The shooting happened on March 9 of 2017, that’s when Yee is accused of shooting Kain in the forehead on Sebrell Avenue and then leaving the scene.

Shortly after jury selection, they heard opening statements from both the state and defense.

“He was left to die alone… killed at the hands of someone he called a best friend,” prosecutor, Dru Lewis said. “This was not an accident.”

Davis then spoke to the jury telling them about Yee’s relationship with Kain. Davis said the two were best friends and that Kain even lived with Yee and his grandmother for six to eight months. Davis stated that Kain’s mother was in and out of legal trouble and alluded to allegations of domestic violence while Kain lived with his mother. Adding that Yee took Kain in because they were such good friends.

“Why would Tyler kill his best friend? Why would he intentionally kill his best friend,” Davis asked.

Following opening statements, Kain’s grandfather Raymond Kain III took the stand. Kain III was emotional as he testified about his grandson’s life. Kain III is from Pittsburgh and described Kain’s childhood. He said Kain’s parents were not together for long and did not have a good relationship. Kain moved in with his grandparents after bouncing around homes. When Kain was about 15 he asked if he could go live with his mother Michelle Hajec in Wilmington and he did. Kain III said he had no idea about his living situation until Kain’s death. When Lewis asked Kain III where Kain’s mother was he told the court Michelle committed suicide last week.

The person who called 911 after finding Kain’s body in the street, Jeremy Garner, also took the stand along with his friend Dakota Piver who was driving behind him. Garner recalled the night he found Kain in the street. At first Garner thought Kain had been hit by a car but shortly after he realized that was not the case. The 911 call Garner made was played for the jury to hear.

Two Wilmington Police Officers, the first paramedic on the scene, and an investigator also took the stand.

The trial resumes tomorrow morning at the New Hanover County Courthouse.