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Juror Dismissed In Anti-Gang Activist's Trial, Defense To Rest Wednesday

DENVER (CBS4)- The defense is expected to finish presenting its case on Wednesday in the trial of an anti-gang activist who is accused of shooting and paralyzing a man during a peace rally in North Park Hill. A juror was dismissed on Tuesday.

Terrance Roberts is accused in a 2013 shooting at a peace rally he helped organize. He faces attempted murder and weapons charges.

Roberts claims he shot 22-year-old Hasan Jones in self defense after jones pulled a knife on him. The shooting happened two years ago outside the Boys and Girls Club at 33rd Avenue and Holly Street.

Hasan Jones- denver pd arrest
Hasan Jones (credit: Denver Police)

Jones is paralyzed.

On Tuesday the prosecution raised issue with Juror #14 after it was discovered that he is friends on Facebook with Roberts. The juror was also tied to posts about the rally that was supposed to take place the day of the shooting. The juror also lied about his name under oath.

For all of those reasons the judge dismissed the juror.

The defense began its case immediately after the dismissal by calling its first witness: Reverend Leon Kelly. Kelly is also an anti-gang activist.

Terrance Roberts
Terrance Roberts (credit CBS)

Kelly testified that he watched Roberts turn his life around, that he worked to improve things in the same Park Hill neighborhood where Roberts once caused destruction as a gang member.

Kelly also testified that because of their work, people like Roberts and Kelly have good reason to fear for their lives.

Roberts defense attorneys admitted in court on Tuesday that they have had trouble getting witnesses to commit to testifying.

Last week, the shooting victim himself chose punishment for refusing a subpoena over appearing in court.

The defense rested after Roberts testified in his own defense.

The case is expected to continue with closing arguments on Wednesday.

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