New Testimony Heard in Tru Colors Murder Trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Heated arguments unfolded Wednesday in the double-murder trial of Omonte Bell and Dyrell Green as attorneys debated whether testimony from a key witness and a recorded phone call should be presented to jurors.

Bell and Green are charged in the July 2021 murders of Briyanna Williams and Koredreese Tyson at the home of George Taylor III, the former chief operating officer of Tru Colors Brewing.

Outside the presence of the jury, prosecutors and defense attorneys argued over the admissibility of testimony from Williams’ sister and a recorded phone conversation between her and Bell that took place in 2019 or 2020.

Prosecutors argued the call was relevant because it could help establish what they described as a common plan or scheme. According to the state, the conversation included discussion about the witness “helping them out” by flirting with rival gang members, often referred to as “opps.” Williams’ sister refused these requests.

Defense attorneys objected, arguing Bell never directed the witness to take any action and that the conversation occurred too far removed from the 2021 killings to be relevant to the case.

Green’s attorney also argued the phone call had no connection to his client.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ruled that both the testimony and the recorded phone call would be admitted into evidence. However, the court issued limiting instructions to jurors.

The judge instructed jurors that they could consider the witness’s testimony only as it relates to Bell. Jurors were also told the recorded phone call could be considered only for the limited purpose of determining whether it showed evidence of a possible common plan or scheme.

Williams’ sister later took the stand and testified before the jury.

The trial is ongoing and scheduled to continue tomorrow.