Melvin Evans murder trial enters day four

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Defense and Prosecution gave their closing arguments today in the murder trial of Melvin Evans.

Mr. Evans is accused of shooting and killing Kenneth Trammell outside a nightclub back in 2021.

Mr. Evans testified on the stand that he was not carrying a gun that night, and that he was friends with Mr. Trammell. He told the court that he had no reason to injure or kill Mr. Trammell that night.

Prosecutor Andrew Childress told the jury, “There is not another explanation that fits the facts that you have been presented. Other than the fact that Melvin Evans shot and killed Kenneth Trammell from the front of his Ford Focus.

Prosecutors say it was premeditated murder.

Prosecutor Childress continued, “He stood at the front of that club for 15 minutes. And what is that ladies and gentlemen? That is laying in wait.”

The Defense says there isn’t enough proof to convict.

Defense Attorney Bill Speek countered, “Infer the crime. Infer he had a gun. Infer he was shooting. Infer he saw Kenneth Trammell in the night club. Infer that he’s jogging in the rain with his phone with his keys in his pocket. Infer he’s got a gun with malice intent. You have to infer it because there’s no proof. …This is about one person. His actions or inactions on that night. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time should not cost you your life.”

This concluded the fourth day of trial.