MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Witness testimony began Tuesday in the trial of a former security guard accused of shooting and killing a man at an East Memphis gas station.
57-year-old Gregory Livingston is charged with the first-degree murder of Alvin Motley Jr. back in 2021.
“I observed the weapon being discharged and Alvin falling to the ground,” said Pia Foster, victim’s girlfriend.
Emotions run high inside Shelby County Criminal Judge Chris Craft’s courtroom Tuesday as testimony began in Gregory Livingston’s murder trial.
He was a guard at the Kroger gas station at Poplar Ave near Kirby Parkway in East Memphis.
In summer 2021, investigators said Livingston and Motley argued over loud music coming from Motley’s car before Livingston shot and killed him.
Motley’s girlfriend was with him.
Surveillance video of the moments leading up to the shooting was played multiple times during opening statements.
The Nashville District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case after former Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich recused her office from the case due to a possible conflict.
“He did not even do basic human compassion. He didn’t get down, hold his hand and say stay with us, help is on the way. Why? Because he intended for Alvin Motley to die,” said Glenn Funk, Nashville District Attorney.
Defense attorneys Steve Farese and Leslie Ballin argued Livingston acted in self-defense.
“I submit to you that Mr. Livingston is innocent of all charges. Mr. Livingston did what he did to protect himself from serious bodily injuries,” said Steve Farese, defense attorney.
There are still other witnesses to give their testimony including MPD officers, the Medical Examiner’s Office and people who were there that day.
The trial is expected to continue for the next few days.
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