Scott Brooks’ family reacts to first-degree murder verdicts

CHARLOTTE — Terry Connor and Steven Staples were convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, and kidnapping in the death of Brooks Sandwich House co-owner Scott Brooks, and were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The verdict was delivered after a four-week trial where prosecutors presented evidence that Connor and Staples had planned the crime days in advance, staking out Brooks Sandwich House before confronting Scott Brooks as he was opening the shop on a December morning in 2019.

Jury returns first-degree murder verdicts in Scott Brooks’ killing

“Let this go out as a message to every violent offender on our streets, that this is not gone be tolerated anymore, time is up,” said David Brooks, Scott’s twin brother, after the jury’s guilty verdict.

Angela Brooks, Scott’s widow, expressed forgiveness, stating, “I just want you to know that I forgive you, I do too, mister Staples, I forgive you as well.”

The trial featured chilling surveillance video showing the confrontation between Scott Brooks and the two suspects, which was a key piece of evidence for the prosecution.

MORE TRIAL COVERAGE:

David Brooks confronted Connor and Staples in court, emphasizing the loss felt by the family, saying, “I lost a brother, I lost part of my soul, we lost a husband, we lost a father, but more than that, we lost a hero.”

Despite the conviction, Connor maintained his innocence, stating, “I didn’t kill your brother, man,” as he left the courtroom.

The Brooks family, including David and Angela, have decided to follow their faith as they move forward, with David stating, “We have to because we have to go on, because a lot of things will build up on it and it will knaw at you and knaw at you until the day you die but you have to let it go and you have to live your life as you see fit.”

0 of 13

The family revealed that another member, who manages the restaurant, was right behind Scott Brooks on her way to work that morning, and they believe Scott’s actions may have saved her life.

Connor and Staples plan to appeal their convictions, but for the Brooks family, the verdict is a long-awaited justice, with David Brooks expressing gratitude for the support from the community, especially the NoDa community.

Editor’s note:

“Previously, court records had Terry Conner’s name spelled two ways: Conner and Connor. During the trial, evidence was admitted showing his driver’s license with his last name spelled, Connor. Channel 9 will use the legal spelling of his name based off his driver’s license.”

VIDEO: Prosecutors focus on phone records in Scott Brooks murder trial