SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The May 13, 2021 murder of Travis Edwards, 20, is now being tried in Chatham County Superior Court.
Three individuals, all minors when the crime occurred, are facing multiple charges related to the shooting death of Edwards at the Bricktowne Flats apartments in Savannah.
Now-21-year-old Harold Roberson, 20-year-old Vaquez Coleman, and 20-year-old Terry Rucker appeared in court Monday to be tried together.
The charges against them include: one count of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, two counts of criminal attempt to commit a felony, and four counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The beginning of the first day mostly centered around former Savannah Police Officer Darryl Repress and his involvement in Edwards’ murder case.
Repress has been charged with lying under oath and violating his oath of office in connection to a separate case.
Larry Chisholm, the defense attorney for Rucker, argued that the State delayed providing information on Repress’ recent guilty plea until just before the trial, affecting their legal strategy.
Defense attorney Boone Philips, representing Roberson, raised the same concerns and said Repress played a quote “huge roll” in his client’s arrest.
This prompted Chisholm to request a motion to make the state to turn over all discovery material.
Prosecutor Lyle Burnham maintained that the State had been cooperative in sharing the material, and Judge Tammy Stokes supported the State’s position by denying Chisholm’s request.
The State requested a motion for a protective order regarding Repress’ files, ensuring that they are only accessible to the state and defense attorneys.
Judge Stokes granted the motion.
In the afternoon, 81 potential jurors were brought in to be interviewed by both counsels.
Those selected will likely be sworn in by Wednesday.
The immediate impending schedule involves bringing in a medical examiner, which the State suggested could be called as the first witness.
will have cameras in the courtroom after jury selection wraps.
