Jurors in Charleston County continued hearing testimony Wednesday in the murder trial of Dyvonte Collins, with prosecutors presenting surveillance footage and expert witnesses connected to a deadly 2021 shooting in West Ashley.
Surveillance Footage Shown in Murder Trial
During the third day of trial proceedings, prosecutors showed video footage from nearby businesses and apartment complexes around the Jaunt apartments complex, where the shooting happened three years ago.
Investigators pointed to footage showing a man wearing a white T-shirt, navy pants, and white shoes walking near the scene before and after the shooting.
According to testimony, the individual was first seen leaving the Palmilla apartments complex, where Collins lived at the time.
Detectives Say Defendant Identified Himself in Video
Charleston Police detective Greg Genna testified that Collins later confirmed the person seen in the surveillance footage was him.
Genna told jurors that Collins initially claimed he went outside to “clear his head” and buy drugs on the night of the shooting.
Investigators later said Collins changed parts of his story after police mentioned witness statements linking him to the victim.
Evidence Linked to .380 Handgun
Police recovered three .380 caliber shell casings from the crime scene.
Investigators also found items connected to a .380 handgun inside Collins’ apartment, including a speed loader. However, police admitted the actual firearm used in the shooting has never been recovered.
Prosecutors also showed jurors items seized from the apartment, including shoes and a cellphone.
Defense Questions Lack of Direct Evidence
Defense attorneys argued there is no footage showing Collins committing the shooting or carrying a weapon.
They also highlighted that no DNA was found on the speed loader and no witness identified Collins from a lineup.
The defense further argued that investigators never recovered the murder weapon.
The trial is expected to continue Thursday morning.
