Tru Colors murder trial heads to jury after closing arguments

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Jurors are expected to begin deliberations on Wednesday in the Tru Colors double-murder trial after attorneys delivered their final arguments Tuesday.

Omonte Bell and Dyrell Green are charged with first-degree murder in the July 2021 deaths of Koredreese Tyson and Bri’yanna Williams.

The two were found shot at the Providence Road home of George Taylor III, the former chief operating officer of Tru Colors Brewing.

During closing arguments, Bell’s attorney argued that prosecutors failed to present evidence directly tying her client to the killings.

Using a visual presentation, the defense challenged the state’s digital evidence, telling jurors that Bell’s text messages, social media activity, and other communications showed no indication he was involved in the crime.

“Let me show you how many times the name ‘Thug’ was introduced in evidence as have being written about, called, or reported by Omonte Bell in a text, in a snap, in social media. — zero,” she told jurors.

The defense argument came after five weeks of testimony in which prosecutors presented digital evidence, surveillance video, witness testimony, and expert analysis that they say linked Bell and Green to the killings.

After both sides completed their closing arguments, jurors received verdict instructions from the judge before being dismissed for the day.

Jurors are scheduled to return Wednesday morning to begin deliberations.