1. SAGE Lecture Spark
October 8, 2019

2. Trial Witness in Amber Guyger Murder Case Dead After Testifying, Suspects Arrested
Joshua Brown, the 28-year old man, who testified at Amber Guyger’s murder trial, was fatally shot outside of his apartment 10-days after the trial.
Speculation quickly arose, with many wondering if there was a connection between the testimony and Brown’s murder.
The Dallas Police has recently arrested three individuals in connection with Brown’s murder.
According to the Dallas Police Department, Brown was shot and killed in a drug deal gone wrong, and capital murder charges are now being pursued against the suspects.
Here are some of the sources related to Brown’s testimony:
Mystery surrounds the killing of a witness in the Amber Guyger trial. Here’s what we know
By: Holly Yan
CNN News
10/07/2019
Slain witness in Amber Guyger trial testified reluctantly. He’d already been shot once
By: Marina Trahan Martinez, Sarah Mervosh, and Manny Fernandez
The New York Times
10/08//2019

3. Key Concepts
Despite there being no alleged connection between Joshua Brown’s murder and his testimony at Guyger’s trial, this incident highlights the following:
The importance of trial witness testimony – Joshua Brown’s testimony was factored into the jury’s decision to convict and sentence Guyger.
The safety of witnesses who testify
Here are some more sources regarding Brown’s murder:
Why Joshua Brown’s testimony was key in Amber Guyger’s murder trial
By: Ben Kesslen and Tim Stelloh
NBC News
10/06/2019
Joshua Brown murder: Arrest made in death of witness in Amber Guyger trial
By: Janelle Griffith
10/08/2019

4. Assessment
Writing: Why was Joshua Brown’s testimony important to the Amber Guyger murder case?
Debate: Joshua Brown did the right thing in testifying, despite being reluctant.
Poll: Do you believe that witnesses at trials should be provided with protection, especially in cases that have received national attention?
Short Answer: Why do you think Joshua Brown was reluctant in testifying?
Current Events Quiz
1. Joshua Brown was Botham Jean’s
a. neighbor.
b. friend.
c. family.
d. co-worker.
2. Joshua Brown had previously been a victim of
a. domestic violence.
b. gun violence.
c. sexual assault.
d. aggravated assault.
3. According to the Dallas Police Department, Joshua Brown was killed in the commission of which of the following crimes?
a. Vandalism
b. Robbery
c. Drug deal
d. Arson
4. Authorities have made a connection between Joshua Brown’s death and his testimony at Amber Guyger’s trial. (T/F)
5. According to Joshua Brown’s testimony, he did not hear Amber Guyger make any commands before firing her gun. (T/F)
6. Joshua Brown’s testified willingly at Amber Guyger’s trial. (T/F)
Answers
1) A
2) B
3) C
4) F
5) T
6) F