Trial continues in Chesapeake motel killing

CHESAPEAKE

Text messages recorded by the phone company led to a man accused of murdering an old friend last year to change his story when being questioned by a detective.

The messages were shown in Circuit Court on Friday during the third day of his trial.

Deon Cobb, 39, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and attempted robbery for his connection to the killing of Conell Darden on Sept. 14, 2010, at the Budget Lodge on Military Highway.

The commonwealth’s attorney has introduced evidence attempting to prove Cobb entered Darden’s room to buy drugs and 50 seconds later opened the door for Anthony Saunders, who entered, gun in hand, demanding money. Darden resisted, was shot in the chest and died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

A review of text messages Friday showed Cobb was in contact with Saunders, the accused shooter several times before and after the shooting. One text message from Saunders to Cobb asked him to “wipe the draw 4 me.” Saunders had opened a drawer in the motel room looking for money, according to testimony.

Prosecutors showed the jury a lengthy video of Chesapeake Police Detective James Thomas interviewing Cobb. During the video, Cobb says at first that he went to Darden’s motel room alone. But when confronted with still photos of a motel video showing him with two other men, he said there was a guy asking for a cigarette.

At first, he also said he did not know the man, then, after being shown the cellphone records, acknowledged knowing Saunders.

Cobb’s trial continues Monday. Saunders' murder trial is set for Jan. 23.

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