The defense attorney representing one of the men accused of Sacramento’s deadliest shooting is expected to continue her closing arguments on Monday.Linda Parisi, who represents Dandrae Martin, will continue her argument to jurors as to why the K Street shooting was an act of self-defense and not gang motivated.Martin and Mtula Payton are two of three people arrested in connection with the April 3, 2022, shootout that left six people dead and 12 more injured. Dandrae’s brother, Smiley Martin, was also arrested, but he died in custody in 2024.K Street trial updates todayFind live updates below as they occurUpdates from June 16 and afterwardSince late April, jurors have been hearing arguments as they weigh the guilt of both surviving defendants. Prosecutors have been arguing that gang motivation and animosity toward rival groups fueled the confrontation. They’ve brought in reluctant witnesses and law enforcement officials, including a gang expert and the lead investigator for this case. What has also been suggested throughout the trial is that Payton, who’s been a Crip since 11 years old, was a key figure in the shootout because he represents a group subset that allies with Bloods.Another element in their argument is the matter of respect, explaining through testimony and their closing statements that rival gangs backing down from a challenge is not tolerable.The defense, however, has been painting the picture of friends hanging out until an unplanned confrontation led to gunfire breaking out. They have repeatedly argued that slain gunman Sergio Harris was the “tough guy” who ruined the night for everyone.Attorneys representing Payton and Dandrae also argued that prosecutors have relied on conflicting testimony and statements that appeared to be incorrect.Once Parisi concludes her closing argument, it is likely that the next step of the trial will be jury deliberation before they are left to come to a verdict if prosecutors do not seek a rebuttal.Updates from May 12 to June 15Updates from the beginning of the trialThe victims in the K Street shootingThe three victims are 21-year-old Johntaya “JoJo” Alexander, 57-year-old Melinda Davis, and 21-year-old Yamile Martinez-Andrade.Sergio Harris, DeVazia Turner and Joshua Hoye-Luchessi also died in the shooting, but California law does not consider people who participated in gunbattles that result in death or injury to be victims.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The defense attorney representing one of the men accused of Sacramento’s deadliest shooting is expected to continue her closing arguments on Monday.
Linda Parisi, who represents Dandrae Martin, will continue her argument to jurors as to why the K Street shooting was an act of self-defense and not gang motivated.
Martin and Mtula Payton are two of three people arrested in connection with the April 3, 2022, shootout that left six people dead and 12 more injured. Dandrae’s brother, Smiley Martin, was also arrested, but he died in custody in 2024.
K Street trial updates today
Find live updates below as they occur
Updates from June 16 and afterward
Since late April, jurors have been hearing arguments as they weigh the guilt of both surviving defendants.
Prosecutors have been arguing that gang motivation and animosity toward rival groups fueled the confrontation. They’ve brought in reluctant witnesses and law enforcement officials, including a gang expert and the lead investigator for this case. What has also been suggested throughout the trial is that Payton, who’s been a Crip since 11 years old, was a key figure in the shootout because he represents a group subset that allies with Bloods.
Another element in their argument is the matter of respect, explaining through testimony and their closing statements that rival gangs backing down from a challenge is not tolerable.
The defense, however, has been painting the picture of friends hanging out until an unplanned confrontation led to gunfire breaking out. They have repeatedly argued that slain gunman Sergio Harris was the “tough guy” who ruined the night for everyone.
Attorneys representing Payton and Dandrae also argued that prosecutors have relied on conflicting testimony and statements that appeared to be incorrect.
Once Parisi concludes her closing argument, it is likely that the next step of the trial will be jury deliberation before they are left to come to a verdict if prosecutors do not seek a rebuttal.
Updates from May 12 to June 15
Updates from the beginning of the trial
The victims in the K Street shooting
The three victims are 21-year-old Johntaya “JoJo” Alexander, 57-year-old Melinda Davis, and 21-year-old Yamile Martinez-Andrade.
Sergio Harris, DeVazia Turner and Joshua Hoye-Luchessi also died in the shooting, but California law does not consider people who participated in gunbattles that result in death or injury to be victims.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel