Two face trial for the murder of Kyle Marshall in Wellhead Park. Both pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Reece Bruns, age 20, is one defendant. A 17-year-old boy is the other, and he cannot be named. Both have pleaded not guilty to murder.
Prosecutors allege the boy gave a machete to Bruns, who then used it to kill Marshall. They said the blow struck Marshall’s chest.
According to the prosecution, a disagreement led to the park confrontation. This involved both defendants, as well as Marshall’s family members. The dispute started about three weeks prior.
The prosecutor stated the 17-year-old had issues with Marshall’s nephew at a festival. Bruns later argued with Marshall’s brother-in-law. Marshall wasn’t there for either event, as he was in custody at the time; the charges against him were later dropped.
The jury heard that Marshall had a history of violence.
After his release, Marshall received a message stating the two were in the park. Someone also warned the 17-year-old that Marshall was coming to confront Bruns.
Prosecutors said they could have called police or left the park that day. Instead, the 17-year-old grabbed his machete and another knife, they say.
The prosecution alleges the boy hid the machete inside his jacket, despite the hot weather. They described it as a very dangerous weapon.
Prosecutors said Marshall charged at Bruns, arriving nine minutes later. They claim Marshall was clearly unarmed at that moment.
They allege Bruns asked for the knife as Marshall got close. Marshall tried to defend himself, but the machete cut into his chest.
The prosecutor called it a death blow and claims the defendants ran away, leaving Marshall to die. The trial is still in progress.