Scott Brooks shot at suspects before being killed, video shows

CHARLOTTE — The trial for the murder of Scott Brooks, a well-known restaurant owner in NoDa, resumes on Wednesday with two men accused of the crime.

Prosecutors have presented surveillance footage showing two masked suspects approaching Brooks’ Sandwich House in 2019.

“Their business was shooting when things didn’t go their way,” said Heidi Perlman, highlighting the alleged modus operandi of the defendants.

The footage showed Scott Brooks arriving at his restaurant before sunrise, unaware that the armed suspects were following him.

Prosecutors detailed that after Brooks was robbed, he attempted to defend himself with a gun from his coat pocket, leading to him being shot.

“As soon as Scott pulled it out to try and protect himself, one of the defendants started firing, and he didn’t stop until Scott was on the ground,” Perlman described.

TRIAL COVERAGE:

The defense, however, is attempting to cast doubt on the investigation, suggesting that the crime scene was not properly handled by the CMPD.

Laura Baker, defense attorney for Staples, questioned the integrity of the crime scene, stating, “Is that a problem for your original crime scene, when people come in and stash their trash on your original crime scene…YES.”

Prosecutors allege that defendants Steven Staples and Terry Conner had a pattern of robbing cash-only businesses and killing victims to cover up their crimes.

Scott Brooks shot at suspects before being killed, video shows

An officer testified about a second homicide linked to the defendants, involving a man and woman found dead in a Range Rover, with their hands and faces taped.

Shari Walton, a CMPD crime scene investigator, described the scene inside the vehicle as horrific, with wounds to the victims’ heads and blood splatter on the interior.

The trial is set to continue after Veterans Day, with prosecutors expected to further elaborate on the second homicide case linked to Staples and Conner.

Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

VIDEO: Opening statements in Brooks murder trial to start Friday