NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk father says he was on the phone when he heard his son plead, “Move that gun out of my face,” moments before the sound of a gunshot.
That testimony came Monday during the first day of the murder trial for 28-year-old Jalen Garces, who is accused of shooting and killing Ali Muhammad in Norfolk’s Ocean View neighborhood more than two years ago.
Jury selection took up most of the morning in Norfolk Circuit Court, with opening statements beginning around 3 p.m.
Watch previous coverage: Trial set to begin for man accused of killing son of local community activist
Prosecutors told jurors they plan to use data from the computer system of a 2019 black Ford Mustang as key evidence in the case. They allege Garces drove that car away from the 9600 block of First Bay Avenue after shooting Muhammad in the chest.
Prosecutors said the data will show key movements and timelines that connect Garces to the killing.
Defense attorneys countered that there is little eyewitness or forensic evidence linking Garces to the crime. They cautioned jurors against relying too heavily on the car’s computer data, arguing it could overshadow other potential suspects and lead investigators away from the truth.
Watch related: One year later: Community activist in Norfolk talks about son's murder
By 4:45 p.m., four witnesses had testified. The first two were first responders — a Norfolk police officer and a firefighter who arrived at the scene the night of the shooting.
The third witness, Lauren Bogard, told the jury she was sitting in her car near where the shooting happened. She recalled hearing two people arguing, then a single gunshot.
Bogard said she saw a car speed away from the area and, after moving closer, found Muhammad lying on the ground in a pool of blood. She called 911.
Watch related: Community leaders rally in Norfolk, calling to end violence in Hampton Roads
The final witness of the day was Muhammad’s father, Bilal Muhammad, a well-known community activist who has worked for years to prevent gun violence in Hampton Roads.
Bilal testified that he often spoke with his son on the phone at night while Ali got ready for his job. He said the two were talking as usual the night of June 29, 2023, but hung up so Ali could finish getting dressed.
When Bilal called back minutes later, he said he overheard Ali telling someone, “Move that gun out of my face” more than once. He then heard a gunshot on the phone.
Watch related: ‘He will fall:’ Gun violence activist, father of man killed in Norfolk attends hearing for accused killer
Bilal said he hung up, tried calling his son back, but got no answer. That’s when he dialed 911 to report his son had been shot.
The trial is expected to continue through the week, with testimony from more police officers and forensic experts scheduled for the days ahead.
Court resumes Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in Norfolk Circuit Court.
