Co-conspirator says he was ‘scared’ of defendant [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas]

Jan. 10--FORT WORTH -- A co-conspirator in the shooting deaths of two men during a convenience store robbery testified Monday that he was "scared" of accused gunman Kwame Rockwell.

Chance M. Smith testified outside the presence of the jury that Rockwell had taken pictures of Smith and Smith's mother and e-mailed them to his girlfriend in Mexico. The girlfriend's family reportedly had connections to a drug gang. Rockwell said the pictures were "his insurance policy," Smith said.

Visiting Judge Elizabeth Berry ruled that only some of the testimony would be presented to jurors in Rockwell's capital murder trial, and details of the photos were not discussed when Smith finished his second day of testimony.

Rockwell is on trial in the robbery-slaying of store clerk Daniel Rojas on March 23, 2010.

He was also indicted in the death of Mrs Baird's deliveryman Jerry Burnett.

Prosecutors Kevin Rousseau and Sean Colston questioned Smith about the plans for the robbery that developed over a period of months and how the plans fell apart after the shootings. Smith has testified that he did not receive any money from the robbery, which he said netted less than $3,000.

Defense attorney Mark Daniel hammered away at Smith's testimony Monday, noting that his version of events changed at least six times as he talked to police.

Daniel suggested during questioning that Smith had found himself in a "difficult, hopeless, vulnerable situation" and that his "only hope was a plea deal."

Smith has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in exchange for his testimony. Rockwell and three others are charged with capital murder in the deaths and face the death penalty if convicted.

Daniel, who is working with attorney Tim Moore, also has repeatedly questioned Smith's contention that he was a lookout man across the street from the convenience store at 4125 Mansfield Highway.

Prosecutors say Rockwell was the gunman in the robbery, which video surveillance captured on tape.

Testimony is set to resume at 9 a.m. today.

Dianna Hunt, 817-390-7084

Twitter: @DiannaHunt

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