CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Testimony in the trial of Samuel and Caleb Askins focused Thursday on alleged gang activity, a traffic stop, and forensic evidence tied to the Maryland Street shooting.
A local gang expert testified that Samuel Askins used a Facebook Live video to call out rival gangs, including Christian Wood of the Gangster Disciples, repeatedly urging others to “get active.”
Jurors were then shown body camera video from a traffic stop that occurred after the shooting. Officers testified they observed a dark Nissan with an alleged illegal window tint leaving a gas station abruptly, which prompted Officer Bolen to initiate a traffic stop.
The vehicle, carrying four occupants, stopped briefly in the Erlanger East parking lot before driving into a ditch after Samuel Askins refused to exit the vehicle.
All four occupants fled on foot. Two were taken into custody at the scene. Officers testified they recovered three firearms from underneath the back seat.
The jury also saw the ankle monitor tied to Samuel Askins. Testimony described how the device could be removed or tampered with and that, upon removal of Samuel’s monitor, slight indications of tampering could be observed.
Authorities testified that three homes connected to Christian Wood were targeted. Wood was described in court as a well-known member of the Gangster Disciples, whose testimony indicated has hundreds of members in Chattanooga.
Prosecutor Paul Moyle used an easel pad to show jurors where shell casings were found, their calibers, and the alleged firearms involved, referencing a forensic firearms examination report prepared by a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation expert who was called to the stand.
The trial is ongoing. News 12 will continue to provide updates as more evidence and testimony are presented.
