New testimony shared from witnesses and first responders to mass shooting at Crown Center Mall

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - First responders and witnesses of the mass shooting at Crown Center gave their s of what happened today in court.

Prosecutors believe Joel Olivas and Brian Favela were the ones who fired their guns, injuring six people on Jan. 17.

Customers, security guards, and first responders painted a picture of just how massive this crime scene turned into putting a lot of people in danger.

A total of 27 people will testify in this trial. The suspects did not take the stand; however, Joel Olivas and Brian Favela came back into the courtroom after the lunch break.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two men charged in Crown Center shooting that injured 6

They each face 13 charges related to the shooting, including three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, six counts of armed criminal action, terroristic threat in the first degree, and three counts of harassment in the first degree.

Cameras weren’t allowed inside, but KD’s Crime Scene Tech Unit testified it took them five hours to comb through the mall.

Crime scene personnel testified to finding bullet holes in the walls, doors, storefronts, and food stands. The floor was scattered with shell casings and even some live rounds. A loaded gun was also recovered from a first-floor bathroom.

One couple testified it happened right in front of them. They testified two groups were arguing about east and west side gang issues.

Once the suspects got to the ground level, they say one man turned around and opened fire.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Shooting near Crown Center food court leaves 6 people wounded

The Prosecutor’s Office said Olivas and Favela are both d with the East Side Gang.

Defense attorneys challenged witnesses about whether their clients were ever seen shooting or threatening anyone.

All who took the stand today said they couldn’t confirm if Olivas and Favela started it, out of the group.

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