Cross-examination of the lead detective in the trial of Kewon White is due to continue in Dallas on Thursday, as prosecutors pursue their case over the alleged murder-for-hire killing of rapper MO3.
White is accused of ambushing Melvin Noble, known professionally as MO3, on Interstate 35 in Dallas on 11 November 2020. Prosecutors allege that rival rapper Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, hired him to carry out the killing during a long-running dispute.
Conway has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and denies involvement. Devin Brown, a third defendant accused of helping coordinate the shooting, has also pleaded not guilty.
White, who is already serving a prison sentence for an unrelated firearms offence, faces a capital murder charge over Noble’s death. He is the first of the three defendants to go on trial, with proceedings expected to last about two weeks.
The prosecution has presented the case as a planned attack. Earlier testimony included accounts from motorists who witnessed the shooting, footage recorded from a lorry and evidence from people who saw Noble shortly before he was killed.
One witness told the court that a black vehicle pulled alongside Noble’s car before a masked gunman emerged carrying a rifle. A Dallas neurosurgeon who was driving nearby also described seeing the attacker fire as Noble ran along the motorway.
The defence has argued that parts of the evidence do not connect White to the killing and has accused prosecutors of relying on speculation and unsupported conclusions. The court has also heard arguments over the use of rap lyrics, with a judge ruling before the trial that three songs could be admitted as evidence.
Detective Eric Barnes returned to the witness stand earlier this week, giving evidence about the investigation, White’s arrest and alleged links between the defendants. His testimony is expected to remain the focus as White’s lawyers continue their questioning.
