PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The trial of Raymond Gore, 58, was underway in Portsmouth on Tuesday.
Gore is one of two men indicted for his alleged role in a deadly quadruple shooting that happened at a home on Maple Avenue in the Prentis Park neighborhood back in June 2022.
Georgio Lee, Ashley Merricks, Oleisha Mears and Samuel Jones lost their lives.
In a matter of hours on Tuesday, members of a jury were selected and attorneys on both sides presented opening statements in the circuit courtroom.
Beforehand, Gore pleaded not guilty to counts of aggravated murder and gun charges. All are tied to the deadly quadruple shooting two summers ago.
More than a year and a half later, families of the victims said they're still on a quest for the truth and closure.
"Get some justice for Georgio, so he can finally have his moment and that is resting in peace," said Shecora Lee, the sister of Georgio Lee.
Police originally charged Gore and his nephew in connection to the killings.
A judge dismissed charges, citing not enough probable cause. However, a grand jury later served indictments against the duo.
Loved ones of Lee said they feel confident in the prosecutors working this case.
"They've had a chance to really find some stuff, and we're here. If they didn't have anything, we wouldn't be back here," said Shecora Lee.
Ronnie Lee, Georgio Lee's uncle, told 13News Now: "We're just going to let the court take its course, let it play it out court and see how it turns out."
Prosecuting attorneys said evidence will show Gore went to the home and carried out the killings. They also gave the jury a heads up, mentioning they don't have certain crime scene elements like fingerprints.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Michael Massie told the jury that evidence, like body-worn camera footage and witness statements, will vindicate Gore. Massie reiterated his client did not commit the crime.
Gore's trial is expected to last until Friday.
Online court records show his nephew Antwann Gore, the other suspect indicted in connection with this case, is scheduled for trial in June.