JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Opening statements were made on Tuesday, December 10 in the retrial of the man accused of killing a local community activist in 2022.

During the opening statements in the William “Polo” Edwards trial, prosecutors said the case is about the murder of Better Men Society founder Robert Davis. However, the defense said the case is about painting a false narrative.

Several witnesses were called to the stand on Tuesday, including Shadow Robinson. Edwards is accused of killing Davis inside Robinson’s Clinton home on May 1, 2022.

Robinson testified that she did not invite anyone to her home that day other than Davis.

“Ms. Robinson, are you 100% sure that Mr. William Edwards was at your house on May 1, 2022?” an attorney asked.

“I’m 1,000% sure that he was there,” she said.

Robinson said she heard gunshots and saw Davis lying facedown in the hallway of her home. She said she did not see Edwards’ discharge a weapon and that she only saw sparks. However, Robinson testified that she saw Edwards with a gun and that he was the one who shot Davis.

Robinson said Davis was her friend, and they were not romantically involved.

Edwards was arrested in connection to the case after a chase in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 3, 2022. He was indicted for murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm in Hinds County. Edwards pled not guilty.

Edwards’ first trial ended with a mistrial in August 2023.

The jury for the retrial was selected on Monday, December 9. The jury includes nine women and three men.