Bradley Coleman murder retrial: Forensic expert links DNA to suspected gunman in day of testimony

The second day of testimony in the trial of three men accused of killing Bradley Coleman at a Peachtree Corner gas station during a botched carjacking in 2022 saw a forensic expert take the stand.

Three men face felony murder, aggravated assault, and street gang charges.

Murder of Bradley Coleman

The backstory:

On Sunday, July 10, 2022, just after noon, Bradley Coleman pulled up to the QuikTrip at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Peachtree Corner Circle to use the air pump. That is when a black passenger vehicle pulled up next to him. Gwinnett County Police say one of the people in that vehicle got into Coleman's car, he was attacked and killed. Three people were arrested: David Booker, Josiah Hughley, and Miles Collins.

Coleman, who is a graduate of Norcross High School but lived in New Orleans, was visiting family in town. He left behind a young daughter. 

Bradley Coleman

The three men accused in his murder stood trial in October of last year, but on the third day of testimony, the judge declared a mistrial over "improper and prejudicial" comments made by the state. Attorneys for the defendants attempted to block a retrial, but the judge allowed the case to proceed this week.

DNA evidence introduced

What we know:

During the second day of testimony, a forensic biologist told jurors she tested a mask at the Peachtree Corner crime scene and found DNA linked to the suspected shooter, Josiah Hughley.

An investigator with the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office revealed to jurors seized cell phones belonging to the suspects that tied them to the general location of the crime scene

While Josiah Hughley is described by prosecutors as the gunman, David Booker is depicted as the armed support and Miles Collins is the accused getaway driver.

Two eyewitnesses testified on Wednesday that they saw a scuffle among a group of men at the gas station and then heard a gunshot.

Jurors watched surveillance video of the incident, as one eyewitness testified what she saw.

"I heard screeching tires and a collision," Andrea Page Smith. "I saw men struggling near a parked car and heard a gunshot."

On cross-examination, Smith admitted she did not see a gun or who fired it.

From left, David Jarrad Booker, Josiah Hughley and Miles Collins charged with aggravated assault, murder of Bradley Coleman at a Peachtree Corners gas station.

A second witness, Owen Waites, called 911 after seeing the crime.

"I saw Mr. Coleman fall," recalled Waites. "And a black vehicle."

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What's next:

Testimony is expected to continue on Friday.

The Source: This article is based on court records and proceedings in Gwinnett County Superior Court.

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