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Defense attorney says Decker murder trial witnesses have been coordinating testimonies

Posted at 6:32 PM, Dec 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-11 18:32:04-05

Norfolk, Va. - A defense attorney in a hearing for one of the two men accused of murdering off-duty Norfolk police officer Victor Decker made a stunning accusation in court on Wednesday.

Leaving court today, relatives of Kareem Turner said the truth will come out, but they declined to say any more. Inside the building, family members testified he has never been convicted of a felony, he was a good worker, and he was active in his church. Turner's lawyer told a judge the state's witnesses -- all felons who have admitted they want to shorten their own sentences -- have been working together to coordinate their testimony.

Prosecutors did not respond to that.

Turner is one of two people charged with murder for the fatal robbery of Victor Decker. He was an off-duty Norfolk officer slain in a parking lot near an Oceana go-go club. The crime in late 2010 went unsolved nearly two years.

The other man charged is Raymond Lewis Perry. In both cases, prosecutors have relied upon testimony from at least five felons facing long prison sentences. Defense attorneys have pointed out none of the men -- not one -- ever came forward until after their own arrests. One has admitted he repeatedly lied to police about what he knew.

Decker was attending a fundraiser at Atlantis Gentlemen's Club with friends. The group parted ways at closing. Decker was found dead near his truck. He'd been shot once in the head.

Lawyers for the accused men say they have proof the officer was having several affairs, and had was with another woman the night he died. They are also asking the Norfolk Police Department for any internal investigations that focused on Decker. Beach prosecutors are trying to block that.

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