A Kansas City, Kan., man testified Friday that a Douglas County murder defendant confessed to shooting a Lawrence hip-hop artist.
Demario Eatman, who is facing a federal weapons charge, said that when he was a cell mate with Major C. Edwards Jr., Edwards told him he shot and killed Anthony “Clacc” Vital, 28, in October 2006 in Lawrence.
“He said he rode around with him for the night so nobody wouldn’t think nothing when he finally killed him,” Eatman said.
Vital’s body was found west of Lawrence in October 2006, and the coroner has testified he was shot three times. Eatman said that while he was in custody and around Edwards in Leavenworth and Fort Worth, Texas, Edwards told him he and Durrell A. Jones, of Kansas, City, Kan., shot Vital over a disagreement about a woman and some music.
Douglas County District Judge Robert Fairchild has heard evidence to try to decide whether Edwards and Jones should face a trial on first-degree murder charges.
Douglas County Sheriff’s officers testified earlier that they found items near Vital’s body that matched DNA from Jones and Edwards.
Attorneys will make final arguments to Fairchild later.
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grammaddy (anonymous) says…
I feel bad for the mothers of the three men involved. All three mothers lost sons that day, And Anthony's wife became a widow. While this trial may offer her some closure, I'm sure that is not the case for Major's mom. It is so sad to see what has happened to the young men that used to hang out at my house when they were in grade school and junior high.I hope the moms can find some peace in knowing that while we all tried our hardest to raise them right, sometimes home training goes out the window when they get out on their own and start making their own decisions.Christy, you know my prayers are with you.
somebodynew (anonymous) says…
And while I agree with grammaddy about the loss to all involved, I particularly feel bad for Anthony's mother and widow, having met them.As for the two who did this, Let Them Pay for their actions to take a person's life.
srj (anonymous) says…
Don't tell your cellmate anything! Do criminals ever stay home and watch Law and Order?
misplacedcheesehead (anonymous) says…
I also feel badly for the families of the victim and families of the suspects, but NOT for the suspects themselves. That is, if they did indeed do it. To kill another person over a woman and music-how incredibly STUPID!!!
Tbaby09 (anonymous) says…
Now all of you know just like I do, that this bastard in the Feds saying Major told him this is a damn lie. I know Major and if any of you do then you know that he would not tell someone if he did some stuff like that. He couldn't even express his feelings to someone so why would he do that. This person with federal charges that is looking at some time for being a felon already......he is just looking for a lesser sentence but I have a feeling in trial everyone is going to be blown away with what is brought to the table and the truth will come out and Durrell will feel beside himself.
woodenfleaeater (anonymous) says…
only took four post for the defendents crazy relatives / friends to get on here and post why he is such a good person / great guy. May be the first, but definately not the last!!
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
Get the popcorn ready.
woodenfleaeater (anonymous) says…
This could get good. Unplug the phone and turn off the television. I'm staying tuned in to this all day!!
puddleglum (anonymous) says…
major was a nice guy when I knew him a few years ago.
I hope he didn't do this.
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
Yip wooden....Im grabbing the popcorn!!! And away we goooooooooo!