Mark Beasley Trial begins with MPD Officer testimony

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The murder trial for Mark Beasley began Wednesday with opening statements.

Beasley is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting Darryn Conte, 39, on April 26, 2015 in the 400 block of Butternut St., NW.

During opening statements, the defense said their client is not the one who murdered Conte, but suggested that it was instead one of his friends.

An Uber driver was also called to testify, as he was driving by the area right before Conte was killed. The man testified that he saw an argument occurring, and later heard gunshots.  He picked up his client and drove away, waiting until later to notify the police of what he heard.

The trial is set to resume on July 10.