Murder trial in Chesapeake motel shooting starts

CHESAPEAKE

Deon Cobb either set up an old friend for robbery and murder or he was simply there to buy drugs when Conell Darden was shot and killed last year at the Budget Lodge on Military Highway.

In Circuit Court on Tuesday, both scenarios were raised as the trial began for Cobb, 39, charged with first-degree murder, robbery and three other related charges.

Leading up to and on the night of the shooting, Sept. 14, 2010, Cobb phoned Anthony Saunders 24 times, according to opening statements from Cara Oxenham, an assistant commonwealth's attorney in Chesapeake. Saunders is charged with shooting Darden in room 102 that night and is scheduled to go to trial Jan. 23.

Cobb had known Darden since childhood and also knew Saunders. Saunders did not know Darden.

"Deon Cobb set this up," Oxenham told the jury of eight women and six men, including two alternates. "The only link to the victim is Deon Cobb."

But Public Defender David Jones argued in his opening statements that Cobb did not set up his old friend Darden. Cobb remained at the scene, tried to treat Darden after he was shot, and cooperated with police afterward, Jones said.

"There is no question that Mr. Cobb was there to buy drugs," Jones said. "He was not in agreement with anyone to bring about the death of Mr. Darden."

Cobb was inside the room about 9 that night with Darden, Richard Emerle and one other man when a man with a gun entered demanding money, according to testimony that followed Tuesday's opening statements. When Darden resisted, the gunman shot him in the chest. He died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Cobb told police it was a coincidence that he opened the locked door just as the gunman entered with the gun, according to testimony. The prosecution alleges that he was opening the door to allow the gunman in.

The trial resumes Thursday.

Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com