Victim, friends testify in Orange County murder trial

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The trial is underway in Orange County Tuesday for the man accused of killing two people during a violent home invasion.

Inside the courtroom, Joshua Heard, 21, looked on as attorneys made opening statements in his murder trial.

Prosecutors said that in February 2013, Heard and Diego Alvarez, who was 17 at the time, pulled off a home invasion at the Middlebrook Farms apartments.

While holding three victims at gunpoint, more people came to the door, and that's when investigators said Heard opened fire and shot 17-year-old Jonathan Cook and 24-year-old Khoy Williams to death.

Robert Lonergan, who was injured in the shooting, testified on Tuesday.

"Is the person who shot you here today?" prosecutors asked Lonergan.

"Yes," he said, pointing to Heard.

Defense attorneys took issue with that, saying initially Lonergan told police the suspect was 5 feet 7 inches tall with short hair, nothing like Heard, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and has dreadlocks.

Also taking the stand was Williams' friend, Kiera Nieves, who cried as she told how the group of friends returned home from a night of bowling and were robbed by two men.

Alvarez had taken a plea deal and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. As part of the deal, he's testifying against Heard.

The defense tried to argue Alvarez had reason to blame someone else for the crime.

"You are aware you were facing three life sentences, is that correct?" the defense asked him.

"Yes, sir," said Alvarez, rarely giving more than two-word answers to other questions.

Prosecutors said they feel they will have enough evidence to prove the case.

WFTV