Opening Statements Begin in Gang Member’s Murder Trial

Opening statements are set today in the first of several trials for four reputed North Palm Springs gang members accused of fatally beating a 66-year- old security guard at a construction site.

Jamar Thomas, 21, is charged with murder, robbery and participation in a criminal street gang in connection with the June 9, 2007, death of Bower Security Co. guard Wallace Brown. Thomas faces a possible death penalty if convicted.

Also charged in Brown’s death are Darius Lee, 21, Jerrett Lewis, 20, and Akil Williams, 19. Lewis and Williams will be tried together, and both trial dates have yet to be set.

The four alleged gang members are accused of attacking Brown with blunt objects, including their fists, and taking his wallet after dragging him from his car while he was checking a construction site near Rosa Parks Street and Eldorado Boulevard.

The Marine died days later at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs without ever regaining consciousness.