Jurors examined forensic evidence and rap videos linking Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious Garard to the 2022 shooting of Prince Holland.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On the third day of testimony in the trial of Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious Garard, accused in the 2022 shooting death of 13-year-old Prince Holland, the focus was on forensic evidence, crime lab analysis, and rap music videos intended to demonstrate the connection between the two men.
The day started with the judge addressing jurors: some had difficulties viewing videos on Thursday, so they were given another opportunity to see edited versions of the music videos that prosecutors claim illustrate the ties between Johnson and Garard.
Jurors were instructed not to use the videos as evidence of bad character, but instead as context for their relationship from Judge Jeb Branham.
The state then called Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyst Jennifer Brown, who explained the complexities of DNA testing.
Brown informed the jurors that multiple swabs from the case’s evidence yielded either no usable results or inconclusive findings. She noted that Johnson could not be excluded from one DNA mixture, whereas Garard was entirely ruled out. Brown emphasized that DNA can easily degrade and that the absence of results does not necessarily indicate that a person was not involved.
The defense argued that DNA evidence alone was not sufficient to link either man to the shooting. Brown concurred, acknowledging that her tests could not determine when or how DNA was deposited or if it resulted from direct contact.
Firearms experts followed, walking jurors through the analysis of 5.56 caliber cartridge casings recovered from the crime scene.
Examiners verified that at least 22 rounds had been fired from a rifle-style weapon, but they could not associate the casings with any specific firearm or individual.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys stipulated that DNA recovered from a grouping of shell casings produced only an inconclusive profile.
Jurors also heard reminders that neither Johnson nor Garard was arrested at the scene.
Detectives testified that although the evidence indicates gunfire from high-powered rifles, it does not definitively prove that the weapons were in the hands of the defendants.
The trial, now in its third day, continues to highlight the prosecution’s challenge: tying forensic evidence directly to Johnson and Garard.
The two face charges including murder in the death of Prince Holland, who was shot and killed in December 2022 while riding home from football practice. Two other teens were wounded.
Testimony will continue this week as the state works to bolster its case with additional witnesses.
