Denzel Wilson takes stand at the trial for murder of Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (KCRG) – Denzel Wilson is in trial for first -degree murder in the death of Kenyauta Vesey -Keith.

Wilson said he was “on guard” when he saw the victim that night.

The first day of trial prosecutors said Wilson shot and killed Keith for revenge.

Wilson said Monday that he saw the victim “reach his weapon” that night.

The jury saw a surveillance video from outside the bar that shows Wilson and Keith. While checking the images, Wilson argues that Keith was reaching his gun, but prosecutors say his hand was empty at the time of the shooting.

“I was never a person who did something like that. So he put me in a shocked and scared mental state, ”said Wilson.

Wilson said he didn’t expect to see what Keith was looking for before he started shooting because if he expected, “he would be dead.”

Multiple officers who responded declared that they did not find a gun in or near Keith.

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