CHATTANOOGA — Jamal Lemore Adams is on trial for the murder of Matthew "Cecil" Overby, who was killed on February 1, 2023. Overby was shot while working on a friend's car near Rossville Boulevard in Chattanooga.

Adams faces a charge of murder in connection with Overby's death. Prosecutors stated that Adams had a prior conflict with Overby at the Budgetel motel in East Ridge, where Overby worked as maintenance staff. According to court testimony, Overby had entered Adams' motel unit to repair an air conditioner and later stated he mistakenly took a flashlight from the room but returned it. Adams, however, claimed Overby stole his gun and stabbed him during that encounter.

Witness Spencer Venable testified that he and Overby had installed a new transmission in a white pickup truck the night before the shooting. On the morning of February 1, Venable said a man dressed in black with a scarf covering portions of his face approached the truck and pulled out a gun. Venable recounted that the gunman asked, "Are you taking the rap for that?" and then uttered two threats containing profanity, telling Overby, "You'll pay for this," and "I told you." Venable also testified that Overby responded with, "I didn't. . ." before dying.

Barbara Ramirez-Guerreo testified that she was with Adams at a Fort Oglethorpe motel the night before the shooting. She said Adams kept a black .380 handgun and that she had purchased 50 rounds of ammunition for it in early January 2023. Ramirez-Guerreo also stated that while driving near the location where Overby was working on February 1, Adams repeatedly said he "wanted his life back" at least five times. After exiting the vehicle, Adams called her and asked to be picked up behind the Sunshine Mart, she testified.

Timothy Goins testified that he heard sounds resembling gunshots and ran outside. He said he was told Overby was dead and that the gunman pointed a gun at him when he attempted to pursue the shooter.

The prosecution is seeking a sentence of life in prison without parole for Adams. Judge Don Ash is presiding over the case.