Opening statements begin in double-murder trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Opening statements began Tuesday in the double-murder trial of Dyrell Green and Omonte Bell inside the New Hanover County Courthouse, marking the start of a closely watched case tied to the 2021 killings of Briyanna Williams and Koredreese Tyson.

Green and Bell are charged in connection with the deaths of Williams and Tyson, who were killed at the home of George Taylor III, the former chief operating officer of TRU Colors Brewing. The brewery, which shut down in 2022, employed active gang members as part of its anti-violence initiative.

After 12 jurors and two alternates were selected last week, state prosecutor Doug Carriker delivered the state’s opening statement Tuesday morning. Carriker outlined the evidence jurors are expected to see throughout the trial, including phone records, 911 recordings, and police body camera footage.

Carriker also previewed several witnesses expected to testify, including Williams’ father and Tyson’s mother.

Defense attorneys Matthew Geoffrion and Meleaha Kimrey later presented opening statements on behalf of Green and Bell. The defense sought to distance Green from text message exchanges discussing whether “Thug” — a nickname for Tyson — was dead.

Prosecutors also introduced evidence Tuesday through a 911 call made by M’Kaila Walker, who was injured during the shooting.