Tearful testimony in day one of Daequan White trial

20-year-old Daequan White’s criminal jury trial began in the Wicomico County Circuit Court on Monday. He’s facing dozens of charges including first degree murder in connection with the death of 20-year-old James “LJ” Skinner, who was killed last May.

In opening statements Monday morning, the prosecution identified White as a one of the men involved in a home invasion where Skinner was shot and killed. The state made it clear that White is apparently not the one who murdered Skinner. However, they did say that White held a 13- year- old girl at gun point while inside the house.  

The defense says White was never there and was in bed sleeping three miles away. The first witness on Monday was Kaneisha Dennis, who was living with the victim, Skinner, at the time. She cried throughout the majority of her testimony. It was her home that was broken into back in May around 3 a.m. 

She says she woke up when two men turned on the light in her room and asked, “Where’s the money?” Dennis said when the men left her room; she and her daughter went to the back bedroom where they found Skinner on the floor bleeding.

We’re told Dennis tried to administer CPR and was helping Skinner to the front door. During this time she had made many calls to 911 that were played in the courtroom on Monday. 

Dennis’ daughter, who was thirteen at the time of the home invasion, gave a similar testimony on Monday. However, she added that she saw White’s hair style and hair dye when he was in her room. She said she later recognized him after the home invasion when he apparently said something to her at her dance class sometime later.

The thirteen-year-old eventually selected White when police showed her a photo line-up following these events. Court is scheduled to resume tomorrow at 9 a.m.