MO3 Murder Trial: Prosecutors Present Surveillance Video They Say Links Kewon White to 2020 Killing
DALLAS, Texas — The capital murder trial of Kewon White, the man accused of killing Dallas rapper MO3, has entered a critical phase as prosecutors present surveillance, dash-camera and forensic evidence they say connects White to the November 2020 shooting.
MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble, was fatally shot on Interstate 35E in Dallas on November 11, 2020. Prosecutors allege the killing was part of a murder-for-hire plot involving fellow Dallas rapper Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway. Conway has pleaded not guilty and denies involvement.
Surveillance footage becomes key evidence
During testimony, prosecutors showed jurors surveillance footage from a residence on Ramona Avenue that they argue places White at the location before and after MO3’s killing.
Prosecutors pointed to footage showing a man wearing clothing they say was similar to what the suspected gunman wore during the highway shooting. They also highlighted footage that appears to show a person near a backyard fire afterward.
The prosecution’s theory is that the footage captures White wearing or possessing items associated with the shooting and subsequently burning clothing or other potential evidence.
An FBI digital-forensics examiner testified about surveillance files and digital evidence presented to the jury.
The testimony focused on extracting and examining video and still images from cameras and devices connected to the Ramona Avenue residence.
Prosecutors argued that the digital evidence helps establish a timeline connecting activity at the residence with the events surrounding MO3’s killing.
The defense, however, challenged the limits of the expert’s testimony, arguing that a digital-forensics examiner should not be treated as a firearms expert when determining whether a particular rifle is the weapon shown in other footage.
Clothing comparison draws attention
One of the details prosecutors emphasized was the apparent similarity between clothing seen in the surveillance footage and clothing associated with the gunman captured on highway video.
Jurors were shown footage and still images that prosecutors say demonstrate similarities in clothing, including the color of underwear visible above the waistband.
The defense is expected to challenge whether those similarities are sufficiently reliable to establish that the person shown in the surveillance footage was White.
Dash-camera footage captures deadly pursuit
Earlier in the trial, jurors watched video from the highway showing the events immediately surrounding Noble’s death.
Witness testimony described a dark vehicle pulling alongside Noble’s vehicle before the confrontation escalated. A gunman wearing a mask was seen pursuing Noble after he left his vehicle.
The prosecution contends the footage is consistent with its theory that White was the shooter. However, the defense has emphasized that witnesses did not directly identify White as the gunman.
Prosecutors allege murder-for-hire plot
The state’s broader case is that White was allegedly hired to kill MO3 as part of a long-running feud involving Yella Beezy.
Prosecutors have described White as the alleged “hitman” and argue that he tracked Noble before carrying out the shooting.
The defense has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence, arguing that the state’s case relies on assumptions and does not conclusively establish that White was the person who killed Noble.
Other defendants face charges
White is the first defendant to face trial in the case.
Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, is separately charged with capital murder and has pleaded not guilty. Devin Brown is also charged with capital murder, with prosecutors alleging he was involved in setting up the shooting.
Trial remains ongoing
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting witnesses and forensic evidence as the trial progresses.
The surveillance footage could become an important part of the state’s case because prosecutors are attempting to connect images recorded away from the highway with the person captured during the fatal shooting.
Ultimately, jurors will have to determine whether the evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that White was responsible for MO3’s killing.
White is presumed innocent unless and until a jury finds him guilty. The allegations presented by prosecutors remain subject to the defense’s challenges and the court’s final determination.
