Charles T. Meyers, whose adult life lasted just seven months before he was jailed after being charged with last year's fatal shooting of a 14-year-old bicyclist, today will tell a Philadelphia jury his version of events leading to the death of Tykeem Law.
Meyers, a 19-year-old whose baby face belies his years, will tell the court that the July 14, 2007, shooting near the Italian Market in South Philadelphia was self-defense - a reaction to his mistaken belief that Law was reaching for a weapon.
Defense attorney Daniel Conner is also expected to call a series of witnesses to vouch for Meyers' character.
Yesterday, Assistant District Attorney Gonen Haklay closed his case after 1 1/2 days with testimony from a forensic pathologist, a firearms expert, and several boys who were riding bikes with Law when he was killed in the confrontation in the 900 block of Federal Street.
Common Pleas Court Judge Shelley Robins New told the jury it would almost certainly begin deliberations by the end of today.
Police say Law was one of a half-dozen boys riding bikes and slowing traffic shortly after 4 p.m. on July 14, 2007. Meyers, driving two friends in his Mazda sedan, pulled up behind the youths, honking his horn and hollering at them to move.
When Law stopped his bike and began arguing with Meyers, police allege, the motorist drew a .22-caliber revolver and shot Law once in the chest, killing him.
Haklay's prosecution witnesses included both passengers in Meyers' vehicle and a police officer stopped directly behind the Mazda in his personal SUV on his way to work. All three testified that they never saw Law make any threatening gesture or any move that appeared to be reaching for a weapon before Meyers shot him.
Law was not armed, police said.
Contact staff writer Joseph A. Slobodzian at 215-854-2985 or jslobodzian@phillynews.com.
