PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The murder trial of a man accused of killing a beloved Philadelphia art student in Cobbs Creek more than four years ago began Monday at the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center.
Kierra Johnson, 21, was found strangled on Nov. 2, 2017, by Cobbs Creek Parkway near Spruce Street.
David Grier, acting as his own attorney, stood before the jury in his opening statement. He blamed the criminal justice system for “pushing something they know to be wrong” in Johnson's death, and he asked the jury to see past it.
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Prosecutors said the motive was jealousy, that “if David Grier couldn’t have (her), no one could."
They said they have surveillance video of Grier and Johnson together walking near the creek the last night she was seen alive, the defendant's DNA under the victim's fingernails, and copious amounts of cell phone evidence.
Prosecutors allege that Johnson was strangled with her own backpack.
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A police officer testified to the grisly discovery of Johnson, face down in Cobbs Creek, arms splayed. A crime scene officer testified to video of Johnson’s body and the area when she was discovered.
Grier made comments during his line of questioning, something not allowed in trial. He added “cool cool” in response to testimony, which the judge admonished him for.
Testimony was expected to continue through this week, and possibly next week.
