The trial for two men accused of killing a federal witness in the staged wrecks probe is scheduled to begin Monday morning.
Sean Alfortish and Leon Parker are facing charges related to the 2020 murder of federal witness Cornelius Garrison in the staged wrecks investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said both men played key roles in the death of Garrison, who had worked with local lawyers to set up staged car accidents that led to false insurance claims and millions in payouts.
Garrison was shot and killed execution-style in front of his home in the Columbia Park neighborhood of Gentilly, just days after it became public that he had been charged in the scheme and was cooperating with the FBI.
The murder remained unsolved for years until 2025, when Alfortish and Parker were charged.
Federal investigators said Alfortish first tried to pay Garrison to leave the country, and when that failed, devised a plan with Parker to kill him.
In open court during past hearings, details emerged about meetings between Alfortish and Parker and money withdrawn from bank accounts. Prosecutors are expected to call numerous witnesses and present digital and forensic evidence during the trial.
Alfortish and Parker have pleaded not guilty.
This trial follows the convictions of lawyers Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles, who were found guilty of staging wrecks and filing false insurance claims. Motta, who is Alfortish’s fiancée, argued during her trial that she was an unsuspecting young lawyer manipulated by Alfortish. The jury rejected her defense, and she is currently jailed awaiting sentencing, along with Giles.
The trial for Alfortish and Parker is expected to last two to three weeks.
READ MORE:Trial to begin for two men accused of killing federal witness in staged wrecks case
