The jury trial for a man charged with murder in connection with a 2020 drive-by shooting began Tuesday.
Eric Sims, 20, is one of four men charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, employ of firearm during a dangerous felony and reckless endangerment in the case. He is the last to go to trial.
In June 2020, police responded to a report of a shooting on West 38th Street outside the Nine Brothers convenience store, according to an affidavit in the cases. There were two victims — Brandon Rakestraw, who ultimately survived a gunshot wound to the pelvis, and Robert Dowdy, who was found with a gunshot wound to the chest, later dying from his injuries at Erlanger hospital, according to the affidavit.
Tyqurerio Malone and Tremaine Dillard were both found guilty of the same four charges, but Montrell Franklin’s charges were dismissed on motion of the state, according to court records.
(READ MORE: Second suspect in fatal drive-by shooting arrested by Chattanooga police)