George Taylor III testifies in Tru Colors double-murder trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Testimony continued Thursday in the double-murder trial of Dyrell Green and Omonte Bell, with George Taylor III, the owner of the home where the shootings occurred, taking the witness stand.

Green and Bell are charged in connection with the July 2021 deaths of Briyanna Williams and Koredreese Tyson, who were shot inside Taylor’s home on Middle Sound Loop.

Taylor, who served as chief operating officer of Tru Colors Brewing, was questioned by both prosecutors and defense attorneys. The Wilmington-based brewery gained national attention for employing active gang members as part of an anti-violence initiative before closing in 2022.

During direct examination, prosecutors asked Taylor about the early morning hours leading up to the shootings.

Taylor testified that he woke up around 3:30 a.m. after hearing what he believed was a shower leak in an upstairs bathroom and a door opening. He told jurors the noise initially concerned him because of how quiet the house was.

“I immediately woke up, frustrated, but then it was one of those noises where it was a little unsettling because it was so quiet,” Taylor testified.

Taylor said he grabbed a shotgun that was beside his bed and sat listening for additional sounds before deciding the noise was likely nothing unusual.

According to Taylor, he later heard gunshots inside the home.

During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned Taylor about why he did not immediately call 911 after hearing the gunfire. Taylor testified that he first attempted to contact Tyson and others inside the home and said law enforcement officers arrived by the time those efforts were complete.

Tyson, who lived at the residence, was among the two people killed in the shooting.

The state is expected to continue presenting witnesses when the trial resumes Friday morning in New Hanover County Superior Court.