MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) The trial continues for a former South Alabama student accused of killing a man in his campus dorm room.
Prosecutors said Brandon Ajizadeh stabbed 19-year-old James Dean more than 20 times with a butcher knife in July of 2011. Investigators stated it may have started over racy cell phone photos.
Police stated Ajizadeh was not a student at USA.
Tuesday several witnesses, some described as friends and acquaintances of the victim, took the stand. Many testified about their relationship with the suspect and victim and also the relationship between the two roommates.
"We would always make jokes about Brandon like, 'Ya'll better leave him alone. He could possibly kill somebody. Not ever had it crossed my mind that he was actually capable of doing it," said witness and friend of the victim Domonick Medlock.
Witnesses stated shirtless pictures of Ajizadeh's friend Kennan Henderson started an argument between the suspect and victim. Investigators stated there may have been some romantic relationship between the two.
Witnesses testified about their questions about Ajizadeh's sexuality and obsession with his victim. Medlock stated Ajizadeh was infatuated with Dean.
"We always question and pondered about his sexuality," said Medlock. "It was a simple case of obsession."
Defense attorney Jeff Deen would not comment on the suspect's sexuality but simply stated the people around Ajizadeh were using him.
"He'd let them use his car. Brandon bought them cell phones. Brandon took them to the mall and bought them things. I don't know how many guys go shopping in the mall together, but evidently these guys do," said Deen.
Deen stated Ajizadeh gave gifts to Dean because they were solely friends.
The trial is expected to end Thursday.
