Tyler police officers and a witness provided testimony Thursday in the murder trial of Kendrick Ross, who is accused of fatally shooting a man during an October 2025 confrontation in Tyler. Ross faces charges of murder in the death of 32-year-old Demonta Jaquis Brown and aggravated assault for injuries sustained by Brown’s sister, Autumn Pierce, in the same shooting incident. Ross has maintained that his actions were in self-defense.
Thursday’s proceedings began with testimony from Tyler police Officer Espinosa. Espinosa told jurors that during his interaction with Ross on the night of the shooting, Ross did not state that he had been hit. Officer Espinosa also testified that Ross initially claimed he did not know anyone involved in the incident, despite earlier testimony from other witnesses indicating that Ross knew at least one person at the scene. As part of the evidence presented, prosecutors also showed police body-camera footage depicting Ross sitting in the back of a patrol car at the scene following the shooting.
Kendarris Barrett testified regarding the events that led to the shooting. Barrett stated that he and several others had gone to a residence to retrieve a purse they believed had been stolen. This account aligned with testimony given by Autumn Pierce on Wednesday, who stated she was searching for a purse she believed Ross’s sister had stolen and had come to Ross’s home with a group of friends to get it back.
According to Barrett, a physical altercation subsequently broke out between himself and Ross. Barrett testified that Demonta Jaquis Brown intervened in the fight, instructing both men to stop the confrontation. Barrett further told jurors that the fighting ceased, and the group began walking toward a truck when gunfire erupted. This sequence of events, as described by Barrett, was also consistent with Pierce’s testimony from the previous day.
Jurors also heard further testimony on Thursday from Tyler Police Detective Cory Chamberlain, who detailed his post-shooting interview with Ross. Detective Chamberlain testified that during the interview, Ross acknowledged knowing at least one woman involved in the incident, identifying her as Autumn. When asked directly whether he had shot anyone, Ross stated that he had only defended himself using his hands, according to Chamberlain’s testimony. The detective added that he informed Ross that investigators had tested him for gunshot residue and urged him to provide a truthful account of the events. The trial is expected to continue.
