Testimony opens in Chester murder trial

Rahim Hicks loved to fish, enjoyed NASCAR, had an entrepreneurial streak, and was a junior member in a volunteer fire company.

Jamir Williams failed to finish eighth grade, never learned to read, was found to have ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and, according to his family, was profoundly affected by his brother's unsolved killing.

Prosecutors say the paths of the two Chester men intersected at 3:30 a.m. July 24, 2010, in the doorway of J&S Seafood on Kerlin Street. Words were allegedly exchanged and five shots fired.

It took 15 months before a witness came forward and Williams, now 29, was charged with murder in the death of Hicks, 21, who was struck four times, twice in the chest. A bystander was also wounded.

On Tuesday, in her opening statements before Delaware County Court Judge John P. Capuzzi Sr., Assistant District Attorney Sandra Urban told jurors Williams made a mistake: He was on the phone with his girlfriend when the shooting occurred.

"She heard everything," Urban said, adding that the woman will testify.

Defense attorney Michael Wiseman told jurors that his client was presumed innocent and said the commonwealth's witnesses each had a "strong motive" not to tell the truth.

Hicks, a graduate of Chester High School, was self-employed in salvage work, his family said.

The trial resumes Wednesday.