Key Witnesses Testify in Houston County Murder Trial

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jurors heard from several key witnesses Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of shooting and killing a store owner.

Jermontae Moss is charged with murder in the death of Jose Marin. He is accused of shooting Marin during an attempted robbery in September 2011.

Javier Moreno, along with a translator, testified that he was helping his boss Jose Marin unload a truck at Marin’s Mexican Food Store on Bowling Drive. According to Marin, the night of the shooting., an unknown male approached the two men and demanded money. Marin described the man as a young black male wearing a red bandana, white shirt and black pants. Moreno said they told the man they didn’t have money and then Marin was shot in the side. The suspect fled on foot and Moreno said he called police.

Jurors heard the 911 call Moreno made the night of shooting.

Neftally Corado testified claiming that he was shot at his home in the area the night before Marin was killed. Corado said a suspect of a similar description held him up at his home and also demanded money. He pointed across the courtroom and identified the shooter as Moss. According to Judge Nunn, Corado’s testimony will be used only for limited transaction. Jurors heard Corado’s testimony only to determine possible motive and character.

Warner Robins Police Sergeant Todd Rountree also took the stand Tuesday. Rountree and his officers apprehended a suspect about a half a mile away shortly after the shooting occurred. Jurors watched Rountree’s dashboard video which showed the officers searching a young black male wearing a white shirt and black pants. Police removed a gun from suspect. Rountree identified the suspect as Moss.

Prosecutors argue that the gun, Moreno’s testimony and Moss’s interview with detectives are all key evidence in the case. During opening statements, Houston County District Attorney George Hartwig described the case as “serious and straight forward”. Defense Attorney Rodney Davis explained during opening statements that it’s not that simple.

“This case is not cut and dry,” Davis said, “there’s no evidence, no DNA…keep in mind the rules.”

Fredda Bonds was married to Marin for 13 years. She described Tuesday’s testimony as tragic but also necessary.

“It’s very hard,” Bonds said.

Bonds and the Marin family appeared in court weeping several times during Tuesday’s testimony. Houston County Superior Court Judge Nunn expects the trial to last until Thursday. No word yet on if Moss will testify.