Vrana testifies on his own behalf in capital murder trial

A verdict was expected by the end of the day Monday in the Martez Vrana capital murder trial, but things took a turn when Vrana wanted to testify.

Testimony in the case against the 22-year-old man had ended Friday and attorneys were prepared to make their closing arguments when Vrana's attorney, John Stickles, said his client wanted to talk.

More: Wife and sister are last witnesses in Martez Vrana murder trial

Under questioning from his attorney, Vrana gave his account of what happened the night Jason Baum was murdered, June 11, 2020.

Vrana said he was at his apartment with some friends who decided they wanted to steal some marijuana.

He described going to an address on Meadow Lake Drive where he and his companions, Dimonique McKinney, Sammy Worthy and Antwan Williams, waited for someone to arrive.

Vrana said he waited in his car while his three companions got out.

He said he was listening to music when he heard what sounded like three gunshots, his companions got back to the car and were out of breath and they left.

Vrana said he took them to a house on Bailey Street on the east side of town and then returned to his home.

When Vrana was questioned by Chief Felony Prosecutor Dobie Kosub, he admitted that when questioned by police he lied because he was scared.

Vrana’s then-girlfriend (now wife) Merrisa Sullivan, testified Friday about Vrana asking her to move some things from their home.

Kosub asked Vrana if he did this, and he said "yes" because he didn’t want police to search the home with children there.

Kosub asked if it was true that Vrana did not want his shoes discovered because he could did not want to have his footprints at scene identified.

Vrana denied this.

Kosub also asked about a Snapchat picture in which Vrana posed with a girl, some money and a gun.

Vrana denied posting the photo.

He did admit to intending to rob victims at gunpoint in an incident unrelated to the Baum murder.

Kosub asked Vrana about an incident when he and his companions planned to rob participants in a dice game.

Kosub had Vrana read text messages between himself and McKinney in which they outlined the plans to commit the robbery during the dice game.

Vrana admitted they had planned to do this, but did not follow through with it. He added, though, that they went to the scene armed with the intent to kill if necessary.

Kosub also attempted to tie Vrana with the Crips gang during testimony about the texts.

Vrana denied being part of a gang.

Vrana maintained during the trial that he did not take part in Baum's shooting.

The trial continued through the end of the day Monday and will resume Wednesday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Vrana testifies on his own behalf in capital murder trial