Lawyers in Wings Cafe killing case argue pretrial issues at Bibb hearing
In preparation for a trial later this summer, lawyers representing several men charged in the 2014 fatal shooting at Macon’s Wings Cafe hashed through pretrial issues during a motions hearing at the Bibb County courthouse.
Authorities have said members of the Blacc Team and Gangster Disciples street gangs arrived at the now shuttered Bloomfield Drive nightclub known to be a Crips gang hangout on Dec. 12, 2014.
After a confrontation inside, a shootout ensued.
Corey Hollingshed, 25, George Henley, 34, and Derrick Jackson, 38, were fatally shot. A woman was shot four times, but she survived.
Lawyers argued Tuesday about how Facebook postings including alleged gang references may — or may not — be used during the Aug. 15 trial.
One lawyer sought permission to withdraw from the case, saying he’s taken a new job and doesn’t think he’ll be able to adequately prepare for the murder case.
Another motions hearing is set to be held in two weeks.
Among the items to be discussed at that hearing is whether statements 40-year-old Vertuice Wall, 29-year-old Derek Taylor, 24-year-old Master John Henry Brown and 27-year-old Shavious Antwan Balkcom gave to police can be used during the trial.
Brinton Clinton Williams, 31, of Warner Robins, accepted a plea bargain in April and is set to testify as part of his plea agreement. Williams pleaded guilty to violating the state’s gang act and two misdemeanor charges.
Two other men — Wall and Taylor — also face federal charges as part of a racketeering case including 32 alleged Gangster Disciples members. The federal indictment was filed last month in Atlanta.
Federal prosecutors allege Wall, who has a Marietta address, led one of the gang’s enforcement teams and Taylor, who has a Macon address, provided security for Wall.
Information from Telegraph archives was used in this report.
Amy Leigh Womack: 478-744-4398, @awomackmacon
This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Lawyers in Wings Cafe killing case argue pretrial issues at Bibb hearing."