Karlus Branch convicted

Defendant Karlus Branch was found guilty last week of second degree murder (Range 2) and two counts of reckless endangerment.  In her very first case of being the lead prosecutor in a murder trial, Assistant District Attorney Addie Askew was convincing in her facts and arguments.  She also credits Assistant District Attorney Joey Clifton, Victim Witness Coordinator Megan Chalk, Investigator Randy Martin, and Detective Jessie Holt from the Metro Police department.  Quick Facts:  22-year-old Karlus Branch was in the James Cayce homes in May 2016 when he claims he was confronted by Ronnie Foxx, who was there visiting his girlfriend.  Branch claimed he asked Foxx about an alleged assault when he felt ‘threatened’ and started firing his gun that he ‘always had loaded’ in his pocket.  He testified that he thought Foxx also had a gun, but when testifying, ADA Askew kept asking Branch why every witness testified that there was NO gun on the victim and no weapon was found beside his body.  The jury agreed with the state on Askew’s very first FIRST CHAIR murder case that she’s taken from indictment to verdict.  The state presented the case in a courtroom packed with emotional family members, which Megan Chalk handled with care and compassion.   Praise also goes to Investigator Randy Martin and Detective Jessie Holt for getting witnesses to come forward and help bring justice to the family of Ronnie Foxx.