Trial Of Man Charged With Murdering Childhood Friend in Northeast Philly Begins

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Trial is now underway in the case of a man charged with murdering a boyhood friend in Northeast Philadelphia over the proceeds of a stolen video game. But in opening statements Thursday, the defense has suggested the defendant has been framed and other friends did it.

Prosecutor Joanne Pescatore told the jury its going to sound crazy and senseless...which it is, but defendant Malik Anderson wanted his cut of the stolen proceeds. She says Anderson admitted he got madder and madder as he thought about it, then he stepped back and shot his friend, Dequan Crump, in the back of the head, then emptied the clip as the victim lay on the ground.

But defense attorney A Charles Peruto, Jr. has told the jury Anderson and Crump were like family -- that Anderson had no reason in the world to want him dead.

Instead, Peruto has suggested other friends had motive to kill Crump and frame Anderson. And Peruto also alleges police fabricated the confession.

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