The trial of Denzel Borden on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Thi Tran began in a London court Wednesday.
Borden, who was 19 at the time of the shooting on Oct. 11, 2011, was also facing a series of firearms charges.
In his opening statement, Crown Attorney Steven Monaghan explained to the jury how 40-year-old Tran was having drinks with friends at K's Sports Bar on Clarke Road at Culver Drive, when within minutes the night turned deadly.
The jury heard that Tran and his friend thought someone had tampered with their car in the parking lot and the pair left the scene but returned shortly after with Tran carrying a tire iron.
But Monaghan said Borden was armed with something else, "Mr. Borden had a handgun and fired a single shot to the chest of Mr. Tran." The victim was able to take chase but he eventually collapsed and was left bleeding in the parking lot.
He was rushed to hospital with an apparent gunshot wound and died from his injuries.
Borden was arrested by Peel Regional police five days later in Mississauga after a warrant was issued.
During the first day of the trial the jury was also shown surveillance video from area businesses that showed officers rushing to the scene and an ambulance leaving the scene with Tran inside.
The trial is expected to last four weeks.
