The murder trial of Luke Birch opened Tuesday with emotional testimony from the family of McGarland Walker VI, who was shot and killed March 8, 2024, inside a Rapid City apartment building.
Birch, 23, faces first- or second-degree murder charges. Prosecutors say he deliberately shot Walker six times, then fled and tried to cover up the crime. The defense argues Birch acted in self-defense during a heated confrontation between the former friends.
Jurors heard testimony from Walker’s mother and wife, neighbors who reported arguing and gunshots, and police who investigated the scene. The trial continues today in Pennington County Circuit Court.
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