YOUNGSTOWN Defendant testifies via videotape

Wayne Gilliam told police he heard gunshots but didn't see who fired them.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Wayne Gilliam told his story to jurors in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, but it was on videotape. It remains to be seen whether jurors will hear Gilliam testify in person.
Gilliam, 21, of Euclid Avenue, is on trial for multiple counts of aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault and firing a gun into a habitation.
He is accused of taking part in a shooting that left 3-month-old Jiyen C. Dent Jr. dead. The baby was sitting in a swing in the living room of his family's Rutledge Drive home when shots were fired into the house from an AK-47 assault rifle. Prosecutors say he was struck in the back of the head by one of the shots, which came from across the street.
The baby's parents also were in the house, which is the reason for the attempted murder and felonious assault charges. Neither of them was hit.
Authorities say the shooter was John Drummond Jr. of Allerton Court, who is awaiting trial on charges identical to Gilliam's. Drummond, though, could face the death penalty if he is convicted of the aggravated murder charges. Gilliam does not face the death penalty.
His account
Prosecutors played a videotape Monday of a statement Gilliam made to police shortly after his arrest earlier this year. In it, he says Drummond asked him for a ride to Drummond's sister's house, which is just across the street from where Jiyen lived.
Gilliam said he asked no questions when Drummond got into the car holding a loaded assault rifle. He drove to Drummond's sister's house, backed into the driveway and turned off the car's lights.
Drummond got out of the car, carrying the gun, and walked a few yards up the street, Gilliam said. He said he heard about 10 gunshots, then Drummond ran back to the car, got in with the gun and said, "Go."
Gilliam said he did not see who fired the shots and that he and Drummond did not talk about it. He parked the car in a driveway on a nearby street and walked back to Rutledge, watching the activity as police arrived at the shooting site.
Drummond also went back to the scene, though the men took different routes, he said.
Prosecutors were expected to wrap up their case today, after which defense attorney Damian Billak said he has about three potential witnesses to call. He was not sure whether Gilliam will testify.
bjackson@vindy.com