Defense rests in Mattapan massacre trial

The defense has rested in the case against Dwayne Moore, a man accused of killing four people and leaving one man paralyzed in a drug-related robbery in Mattapan.

A new trial began in October for Moore after the sole survivor of the shooting, Marcus Hurd, reversed his original statement saying he could identify Moore as the shooter in the incident that left four people dead, including a two-year-old boy.

Hurd initially refused to cooperate with investigators claiming he didn't want to be labeled as a snitch.

"The code of the streets means you don't talk to the police, you know? Around my peers that's not accepted," said Hurd. "You get labeled as a snitch or rat then you're dog food -- people eat you alive in your neighborhood."

Hurd testified in court that he and the other victims were marched down a street naked and were sprayed with gunfire. It was expected that Hurd would identify Moore in court, but prosecutors did not ask him to do so.

A Boston jury deadlocked on most charges against Moore in his first trial in March. Co-defendant Edward Washington was acquitted. Jurors were brought in from Worcester County for the new trial.

Moore faces charges including four counts of first-degree murder, and assault in the wounding of a fifth, paralyzed victim.

Prosecutors say the victims were herded into a street in Mattapan and shot. Defense lawyers challenged a key prosecution witness who admitted taking part in the robbery.

Closing statements are scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Cox Media Group