Man Accused of Murder Over Cell Phone Takes The Stand

In the third day of trial, state prosecutors spent much of the morning developing a timeline of the events.

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By Sean Doogan

Story Created: Apr 27, 2011 at 4:59 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 27, 2011 at 7:56 PM AKDT

Trial continued in downtown Anchorage today over a June 2010 murder that played out on a Mountain View street.

Ryan Angelo Sargento, 28, is accused of killing then 30-year-old John Lee Taylor Jr. in a shootout that began as an argument over a missing cell phone.

In the third day of trial, state prosecutors spent much of the morning developing a timeline of the events.

They also presented forensic evidence including scene pictures and bullet spread patterns.

In the afternoon, Sargento took the stand and admitted to shooting Taylor.

However, Sargento says the killing happened in self-defense after Taylor pointed a handgun at him.

He also denies ever having taken the cell phone.

Police claim both men were drug dealers and the phone contained profitable contact information.

The trial is expected to continue tomorrow.

Sargento faces first- and second-degree murder charges as well as a single count of tampering with evidence.

If convicted of murder he could face as many as 99 years in jail.

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Mike A said on Wednesday, Apr 27 at 11:15 PM

From the sound of it he would have been better off keeping his mouth shut. Isn't this the same guy that when first arrested claimed he always hung out in sheds, and wasn't really hiding from Police?

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Ghost Bike Killer said on Wednesday, Apr 27 at 6:01 PM

99 Years! Can you hear me now?

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