A dramatic turn occurred in the retrial of Lyndon Wiggins, accused of orchestrating the 2019 kidnapping and murder of Minneapolis real estate agent Monique Baugh. Key witness Berry Davis, already convicted in the case, admitted under oath to lying during cross-examination, adding a complex layer to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Berry Davis, a convicted co-defendant, admitted to lying under oath.
- Davis initially denied involvement but later described Baugh's shooting and driving the U-Haul.
- Prosecutors presented evidence of Wiggins' alleged connection to Davis, including phone calls and surveillance video.
- Wiggins denies any role in the crime.
Conflicting Testimony from Key Witness
Berry Davis took the stand Wednesday afternoon as a defense witness for Lyndon Wiggins. Davis is currently serving a prison sentence following his conviction in the same kidnapping and murder case. Despite previous evidence suggesting his presence at the crime scene, Davis has consistently maintained his innocence.
During a rigorous cross-examination by prosecutors, Davis steadfastly denied any involvement in the crimes. He insisted he was not at the scene when Monique Baugh died and did not drive the U-Haul truck used to move her body.
Case Timeline
- 2019: Monique Baugh kidnapped and murdered.
- Trial: Lyndon Wiggins faces charges for alleged orchestration.
- Witness Testimony: Berry Davis, a co-defendant, testifies for Wiggins' defense.
Admission of Perjury
The situation shifted significantly during re-examination by Wiggins' defense attorney. Davis then recounted being in the room when Baugh was killed. He stated that he saw Cedric Barry, another individual convicted in the murder, point a gun at Baugh's head and shoot her. This new account directly contradicted his earlier denials.
Furthermore, Davis then admitted to the court that he drove the U-Haul truck. This admission came just minutes after he told prosecutors he had no involvement. Prosecutors immediately confronted Davis, calling him a liar. Davis ultimately conceded that he had indeed lied under oath during the earlier cross-examination.
"I was in the room when Baugh was killed. I saw Cedric Barry point a gun at her head and shoot her. I also drove the U-Haul truck."
Alleged Connections Between Wiggins and Davis
Davis detailed his relationship with Wiggins during his testimony. He explained that they met in prison and later reconnected after their release. The two men, according to Davis, became involved in drug dealings and developed a close friendship.
However, Davis claimed Wiggins did not hire him to kidnap Baugh. He argued that their friendship was not close enough for Wiggins to entrust him with such a significant and serious responsibility. Wiggins also maintains his innocence and denies any connection to the crime.
Background on Monique Baugh
Monique Baugh, a Minneapolis real estate agent, was tragically kidnapped and murdered in 2019. Her death sparked a major investigation, leading to multiple arrests and convictions. The current trial focuses on the alleged mastermind behind the crime.
Prosecution's Evidence
Prosecutors presented several pieces of evidence to the court on Wednesday, aiming to establish a connection between Wiggins and Davis. They introduced phone transcripts highlighting a conversation between Wiggins and Davis while Wiggins was in jail. Prosecutors assert that during this call, the two men discussed the ongoing case.
The jury also viewed a video clip captured inside a Twin Cities Walmart. Prosecutors allege this footage shows Davis purchasing specific items—bleach, ammonia, walkie-talkies, and a tent—just two days before Baugh's murder. These items, prosecutors contend, were used in connection with Baugh's body.
- Phone Transcripts: Showed conversations between Wiggins and Davis while Wiggins was incarcerated.
- Walmart Surveillance: Video allegedly depicted Davis buying cleaning supplies and other items before the murder.
- Items Purchased: Bleach, ammonia, walkie-talkies, and a tent.
The Retrial Continues
The defense team for Lyndon Wiggins is expected to continue presenting its case on Thursday morning. This retrial has been marked by intense questioning and surprising revelations, particularly the admission of perjury by a key witness.
The legal proceedings are anticipated to conclude by the end of this week or early next week. The outcome will have significant implications for all parties involved in this high-profile case.
The jury must now weigh the conflicting statements from Berry Davis, along with all other evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The credibility of witnesses remains a central issue in determining guilt or innocence.
