Brothers testify Tajh Ross had gun that killed Latasha Roundtree

Two brothers testified Tuesday that Tajh Ross had the handgun that killed Latasha Roundtree in 2012 and one claimed he saw Ross take the shot.

Liban Muhidin, 22, said he took an AK-47 out of the trunk and Ross grabbed the .40 caliber Sept. 22, 2012. Ross told him to move or 'watch out” and then he saw a Ross' arm go up and saw a 'big flash….a gunshot,” at the white car.

Yasin Muhidin, 18, said he also saw Ross take the .40 caliber, which he tried to get it for his brother – 'for protection” but Ross wouldn't give it to him. He didn't see Ross fire the gun but nobody else had it that night, he said.

Ross, 20, is charged with first-degree murder in Roundtree's fatal shooting Sept. 22, 2012. He is accused of shooting and killing Roundtree while she was a passenger in the white car. She was with two friends as they were headed to a party where Ross was also that night, according to testimony.

Ross also faces charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and going armed with intent.

The prosecution continues its case 9 a.m. Wednesday in Linn County District Court. The trial, which started last week, is expected to go through Friday.

'Replay live coverage: Tajh Ross murder trial, day 6.

Liban Muhidin, who at times didn't answer the question asked or mumbled, hesitated on most questions and seemed confused throughout the testimony. He admitted that he wasn't always truthful during this investigation because he was concerned about his brother Yasin. He said he was being truthful Wednesday.

Liban pleaded in July to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in this case and faces up to 10 years in prison. He agreed to testify against Ross as part of his plea agreement.

Liban said on the way to Hanson's party, Hanson called and said there was threat to 'shoot up” his house. He didn't tell Ross, Adrian Kenney and Yasin, who were with him because he didn't take it seriously. They were outside at the party when a green car drove by, which they thought was the threat, so Liban called Yasin who went to change clothes and told him to bring the AK-47 and .40 caliber handgun.

Yasin testified he retrieved the guns from their home attic and brought them back to the party. Yasin popped the trunk and Liban grabbed the AK-47 and Ross took out the .40 caliber.

Liban said Yasin wanted the .40 but Ross slapped his hand away and took it. Liban took the assault weapon across the street to an abandoned house and put it in a storage bin, so nobody would see it.

Yasin's DNA was found on the .40 caliber gun, according to testimony last week.

Liban said Jeremiah Ellis, another defendant in case, was also there and had a revolver. Ross, Yasin and others were also across the street with him. They then saw the white car, which Roundtree was in, according to testimony last week, drive around the block a few times. When the car slowed down on the third approach, Liban ran in front of it and crossed the street back by Hanson's house.

Ross, after telling Liban to move, then went running up the hill by Hanson's house and that's when Liban saw Ross shoot at the car and heard glass shatter. Liban started running down the alley and then heard the other shots.

Yasin testified when the white car went by, Ellis pulled out his gun and Yasin told him to put it down. Yasin then went to his car in the alley and heard the gunshots. He and Kenney left.

On cross examination, Doug Davis, Ross' attorney, asked Liban hadn't he given multiple versions about what happened that night.

Liban admitted he did.

Davis asked Liban didn't he say taking mushrooms earlier in the evening impacted his memory, so 'can you really say what happened that night?”

'No, not really,” Liban said.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Laurie Craig came back and asked Liban if he told the truth today.

Liban said yes.

'Gazette Reporter Trish Mehaffey continues her live coverage from the courtroom. Follow her live blog at thegazette.com. Followers can provide comments and ask questions during the trial.