All witness testimony from Michigan murder trial of Zion Foster’s cousin

The murder trial of Jaylin Brazier, who is charged in the death of her teenage cousin from Eastpointe, began on May 7.

Brazier is accused of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the January 2022 disappearance of his 17-year-old cousin, Zion Foster. Brazier had previously confessed to throwing Foster’s body of her into a dumpster, but insisted he was not responsible for her death.

Brazier also previously claimed that he was smoking marijuana with Foster the night she allegedly died. Brazier claims his cousin suddenly had trouble breathing and died while at his home. He confessed to leaving her body in a Highland Park dumpster, and served 10 months in jail for lying to police.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has since charged Brazier with the current murder of Foster, whose body was never found. A significant amount of evidence is expected to be revealed during Brazier’s trial, which could last a few weeks, officials said.

Below is all of the witness testimony offered at Brazier’s trial. This list will be updated as the trial progresses.

Day 1 – Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Witness 1: Ciera Milton, mother of Zion Foster

Part one

Part two

Part three

—> Previously: Mother delivers powerful statement at sentencing for cousin who lied during search for Eastpointe teen

Witness 2: Vertez Gonzales, boyfriend of Zion Foster

Gonzales was dating Foster at the time of her disappearance. They had been dating for less than a year, he said.

Witness 3: Katrina Smith, girlfriend of Jaylin Brazier

Smith was Brazier’s girlfriend at the time of Foster’s disappearance. Smith lived with Brazier and has three children with him. Smith was dropped off at work the night that Foster allegedly went to Brazier’s home and subsequently died.

Day 2 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Witness 4: George Rienerth, FBI special agent

Rienerth is a special agent with the FBI, and is part of the agency’s cellular analysis survey team. Rienerth walked the court through cellular data related to the case.

Witness 5: Ian Reinhold, Eastpointe police detective

Reinhold is a detective with the Eastpointe Police Department. Reinhold was part of the team investigating the missing persons case of Zion Foster after she was reported missing in January 2022.

Witness 6: Brian Showers, Eastpointe police detective

Showers is a detective with the Eastpointe Police Department. He was part of the team conducting surveillance of Brazier and his vehicle.