Yella Beezy murder trial begins as witnesses describe MO3's fatal shooting

Witnesses described a chaotic scene of gunfire on a Dallas freeway Tuesday as prosecutors began presenting their case against rapper Yella Beezy, who is accused of orchestrating the 2020 killing of fellow Dallas rapper MO3 in an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder in connection with the death of Melvin Noble, who performed under the name MO3.

Prosecutors allege Conway hired Kewon White to kill Noble following a feud between the two rappers that dated back to 2017. White was convicted of capital murder in September and sentenced to life in prison.

During opening statements at the Dallas County courthouse, prosecutors told jurors they would hear evidence about the escalating conflict between Conway and Noble.

"You're going to hear how that feud escalates and escalates," a prosecutor told the jury.

The state alleges Conway paid White $40,000 to carry out the killing.

Conway's defense attorneys disputed that allegation, arguing the $40,000 in cash White possessed came from drug activity rather than a payment from Conway.

Defense attorney Toby Shook also challenged the prosecution's case, arguing that jurors would be asked to draw conclusions without sufficient evidence.

"There'll be gaps in that type of evidence. The state's going to ask you to make assumptions about things that happened. They have a theory as to what happened, but that can't fill in all those gaps," Shook told jurors.

"Keep your eye on the reasonable doubts that come up," a defense attorney told jurors.

Noble was shot and killed in broad daylight in November 2020 after being chased on foot along Interstate 35E in Dallas.

Jurors were shown dash camera video of a masked gunman exiting a black vehicle, along with photographs and other evidence documenting the shooting.

Witnesses described gunfire and frightening moments along I-35E as prosecutors presented evidence in the 2020 killing of Dallas rapper MO3. Yella Beezy is accused of hiring the convicted gunman, while his defense disputes the allegations. NBC 5's Jala Washington has the story.

A woman who witnessed the incident described the gunfire during a frantic 911 call played in court.

"There's a guy with an assault rifle, he shot a guy in another car," the woman told a dispatcher.

"He got out, and he shot him some more," she added.

Another witness, Tamatha Hopkins, testified that she initially thought a driver had a flat tire. When she approached the black vehicle, she said the man began pulling a mask over his face and emerged holding a gun.

Tracey Kappler, another eyewitness, testified about the frightening moments as gunfire erupted around her vehicle.

"There was so many gunshots I didn't count; I was scared," Kappler said.

"I put my car in park and I got down in the floorboard and began praying," she testified.

Kewon White murder trial: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8

Kappler also captured photographs of a doctor attempting to save Noble's life before emergency medical personnel arrived.

"Had fallen on the ground right in front of my car," Kappler said while describing the scene.

"He looked like he was about to die," she added.

Noble's family was also present in the courtroom as witnesses recounted the rapper's final moments.

His mother, Nicole Noble, testified that she identified Conway when investigators initially asked who she believed might have been responsible for her son's death.

When an attorney asked whether she recognized Conway in the courtroom, she responded, "Yes."

Noble was a father of three.

Jurors also heard testimony from Noble's former girlfriend as prosecutors worked to establish their allegations of a murder-for-hire scheme.

Additional testimony from expert witnesses is expected as the trial continues. Prosecutors are also expected to introduce call logs and text messages as evidence.

Conway remains free while his trial proceeds.

Judge Chika Anyiam, who is overseeing the case, has indicated the proceedings could last approximately three weeks.