The murder trial against former Kroger security guard Gregory Livingston, charged with first-degree murder in the 2021 shooting of Alvin Motley Jr., continued Wednesday, shedding more light on the fateful encounter at an East Memphis gas station. Livingston stands accused of killing Motley after an argument over loud music escalated, as reported by Action News 5. Jurors heard the whole 911 call made by Livingston during the incident.
Witness Shedrick Weary's testimony took a striking turn when he claimed that Livingston professed to him,"The security guard came up to me and told me that he’s killed people before," Local Memphis reported. Despite the defense questioning the credibility of this claim, Weary was adamant about what he heard. In contrast, the defense portrays Livingston's actions as self-defense.
Medical examiner Dr. Marco Ross provided insights into Motley’s autopsy, revealing a blood alcohol level of .221 and traces of MDMA and marijuana in his system. However, the direct impact of these substances on Motley's behavior remains uncertain. This was detailed by Local Memphis in their coverage of the trial. Other witnesses and the first responding Memphis police officer also took the stand, providing various perspectives on the day's tragic events.
The emotional gravity of the trial was palpable, as the victim's girlfriend, Pia Foster, recounted the harrowing moment of the shooting, describing it through tears, "I observed the weapon being discharged and Alvin falling to the ground," as she told FOX13 Memphis. Meanwhile, the Nashville District Attorney’s Office, leading the case after a conflict with the local DA's office, has painted a damning picture of Livingston, offering no aid to the mortally wounded Motley after the shooting.
The trial is set to proceed with further testimonies from witnesses, including Memphis Police Department officers and more from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Livingston's legal representatives staunchly contend his innocence, asserting that their client acted to preserve his own life in the face of perceived danger. The high-stakes proceedings are expected to unravel over the coming days as they resume Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
