Jurors see surveillance video at trial

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Family members of City Grill victims gasped loudly in court when, as promised at the start of this trial, prosecutor James Bargnesi finally played back the grainy surveillance video that showed Danyell Mackin being assassinated by someone who appeared to be wearing kaki colored shorts.

In the first ten minutes of his summation, he showed the video. A shadowy figure could be seen approaching the victim, who then dropped to the ground. Bargnesi reiterated to the jury that, "This is a simple case, a simple case of disgusting and senseless terror and gun violence."

>> Click here to view photos from the courtroom today

He told jurors that if they take anything from the trial, take this: "All seven bullets were fired from the same gun," and "that Danyell Mackin, the groom, was the intended target of this defendant." He told jurors that Mackin was shot at point blank range, not once but twice, seconds after three others were shot and killed, and three others wounded.

Bargnesi said, "Don't be fooled by his (McCray's) calm and quiet demeanor." He also asked jurors not to discount the testimony of the five identification witnesses. He summed up, "Why would they blame this defendant if it wasn't him?" He stated that the medical evidence backs up the eyewitness accounts of what happened, and stated that the defendant's own words to the media and to several police detectives should serve as powerful testimony, that when combined, there should be no doubt that Riccardo McCray was the shooter.

In his closing remarks, Defense Attorney Joseph Terranova told jurors, "What can you rely on? What can you trust? Why should you trust these eyewitnesses?"

He then brought up the so called six eyewitnesses, and one by one, explained to jurors why he didn't think they should be trusted. Among them was Antoinette Burke, the woman who mistakenly identified Keith Johnson as the shooter. Chargers were dropped a day or so later against him.

  >>  See News 4's exclusive interview with Riccardo McCray

He called several of the prosecution witnesses, "just another instance of self serving people, who are playing you." During the trial, we learned that some of them agreed to testify in exchange for help for unrelated crimes they're now involved with.

Terranova also said, "This case is one finagler with another, people who are trying to gain for themselves."

He closed by calling the 'attempted murder charges,' "baseless."

Terranova spoke about 40 minutes.  His client seemed visibly calm and cool, as he has been throughout the trial.

McCray faces three counts of first degree murder, one count of second degree murder, three counts of attempted first degree murder and a weapons possession charge.

During the trial, his attorney opted not to put on a defense. McCray never testified. He has maintained his innocence, and continues to do so.