CHATTANOOGA — Jamal Adams shot Matthew "Cecil" Overby nine times on February 1, 2023, on Sixth Avenue just off Rossville Boulevard in Chattanooga in front of several eyewitnesses. Overby was dead at the scene, and the state is now seeking life without the possibility of parole for Adams on charges of premeditated murder, coercion of a witness, and reckless endangerment.

According to prosecutor Paul Moyle, Adams approached the pickup truck where Overby was seated behind the steering wheel with his.380 handgun already drawn. Video from multiple locations captured nearly Adams’ entire route from the point he was let out of a car until he was picked up again, including footage showing him striding toward the vehicle with the gun out. It was testified that Adams lifted his mask and exchanged words with Overby before opening fire.

Moyle stated Adams pressed the trigger repeatedly until Overby was dead and noted the gun’s safety was off. Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Cogswell, whose testimony was referenced in court, said bullets entered Overby’s brain, heart, and aorta.

After the shooting, Moyle said Adams took a selfie while giving a "Michael Jordan tongue waggle"—a detail the prosecutor argued shows the killing was premeditated. "He had carried out what he started out to do," Moyle told the jury. Forensic evidence tied Adams to the crime: his DNA was found on a mask and scarf he discarded on his way back to the car that had dropped him off. Moyle also confirmed that Adams’.380 handgun was linked to the murder and emphasized that no gun was found in Overby’s truck.

Defense attorney Chad Wilson argued that Adams may have acted out of "fear or provocation." Wilson suggested Overby may have lunged at Adams or had access to a gun, pointing to video showing Spencer Venable—Overby’s friend—walking around his pickup, reaching inside, going to a nearby residence, and returning. However, Moyle countered that slow-motion video revealed Venable had not picked up a gun. Wilson also noted the jury did not hear testimony from two people standing by the pickup at the time or from a passenger in the rental car driven by a woman Adams had been with. That woman testified Adams said, "I'm going to get my life back," as he left the car and was "enthusiastic" when he returned.

Adams and Overby had known each other since the prior year when Adams lived at the Budgetel in East Ridge and Overby worked maintenance there. Though they were once on good terms, Adams had previously been charged with stabbing Overby after suspecting him of stealing items—including a gun—from his room while Overby worked on the air conditioning. That aggravated assault case was still pending at the time of the shooting.

Overby, who had been working on vehicles with friends Spencer Venable and Timothy Goins, was waiting for his mother to bring his children when he was killed. He left behind eight children.

The defense did not put on any proof during the trial. Judge Don Ash said the jury would begin deliberations on Thursday morning.