On Wednesday witnesses told the court Dale and James Willis got into a fight with 24-year-old Jurl Carter before he was shot and killed outside the Roxy in Overland Park. However, witness say they did not see who pulled the trigger.
According to public records, both brothers have a lengthy criminal past within Jackson County. James Willis's past includes running from police, drug trafficking, assault and robbery. Dale Willis served time from being the leader of a drug ring selling cocaine. His other crimes include robbery and assault.
"You've got a limited amount of resources to use in terms of time, energy and money," said former Johnson County Prosecutor Paul Morrison.
Morrison says prosecutors do look at prior convictions and age to determine how much time they push for a person to serve in prison.
Both men pleaded not guilty. A motion has been filed to separate the two men's cases. Because James Willis is in federal prison, he is available for 120 days to the state of Kansas.
Both men's trials are set for April 4.
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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com.
