‘I thought I was next’: Witnesses stand up against Ezekiel Kelly

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Witnesses have testified against a man charged in a fatal shooting in the Mid-South that killed three people early Tuesday morning, Sept. 7.

Ezekiel Kelly, now 20, faces a total of 27 charges in the case.

Kelly appeared before a Shelby County judge Tuesday morning.

The presiding judge in the case, Judge Karen Massey, issued an arrest warrant when witnesses failed to appear at Kelly’s September 27 preliminary hearing.

The trial was adjourned and those witnesses testified on Tuesday.

Four witnesses say they believe Kelly killed Dewayne Tunstall, also known as “Sosa,” on Sept. 7.

“This is the craziest position I’ve ever been in, sir,” said witness Mariko Webb.

Another witness, Marcus Cash, says he became enraged when he said he saw Kelly shoot his friend and business partner.

“I had nothing to protect me, he was so close to me, I thought I was next,” Cash said.

Cash said the shooting was accidental, and other witnesses said there was no fight or argument between Kelly and Tunstall before the shooting.

“I jumped down to see what was going on, I came back and I didn’t see anyone behind me, I just saw Sosa lying there,” said witness Marques Murrell. “Get in the car right now, move… I didn’t lie, I was very scared. I don’t want to be there anymore.”

Witnesses said they were at Cash’s house for food when the shooting happened.

Cash testified that Kelly bought two plates from him shortly before the shooting.

All four witnesses reported hearing gunshots from an automatic rifle and then dispersing shortly after the sound of gunfire.

“I was scared for my life, I got in the car … it was so dark … shots rang out,” Webb said.

“I just hear the gunshots and I get in the car, I try to pull over,” Murrell said.

Kelly’s defense attorney argued that the witness statements were inconsistent.

Based on Tuesday’s testimony, the judge decided there was enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury.

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