Judge allows expert testimony in Tru Colors trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The jury in the Tru Colors double-murder trial was dismissed early Tuesday as attorneys argued over the admissibility of expert testimony tied to cellphone records that prosecutors say are important to their case.

Dyrell Green and Omonte Bell are charged in connection with the deaths of Briyanna Williams and Koredreese Tyson. Prosecutors say the killings occurred at the home of George Taylor III, the chief operating officer of Tru Colors Brewing. This Wilmington-based brewery gained national attention for employing active gang members before closing in 2022.

After sending jurors home, the judge heard arguments from defense attorneys seeking to limit the testimony of a digital forensic investigator.

The defense challenged the investigator’s qualifications, methodology, and reporting regarding cellphone records that prosecutors intend to use as evidence at trial.

Following the hearing, the judge overruled the objections and ruled that the detective may testify as an expert witness.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Wednesday.