A Perris man faces multiple charges for allegedly assaulting players at a high school basketball game in Corona and brandishing a firearm, with his defense attorney claiming he did not have a gun during the incident. The trial's closing arguments involved a duel over witness credibility, with the prosecution stating that the accused, Thaddis Lamont Brooks IV, faced nine charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm and criminal threats.

The Big Picture

The case involves a confrontation at a high school basketball game that escalated into allegations of assault and firearm threats, highlighting the importance of witness testimony and the challenge of proving events in a chaotic situation.

By the Numbers
  • Thaddis Lamont Brooks IV faces 9 charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm, making criminal threats, and battery.
  • The incident took place during a basketball game in Corona in Jan. 2023, involving two players and Brooks' daughter.
State of Play
  • The defense attorney argued that witnesses were unreliable and changed their accounts over time.
  • The prosecution emphasized witness credibility and the fear instilled by Brooks' actions, portraying him as unable to control his emotions.
What's Next

The case has gone to the jury for deliberations at the Riverside County Hall of Justice, with the outcome determining Brooks' legal fate based on the conflicting testimonies presented.

Bottom Line

The trial underscores the complexities of assessing witness reliability in legal proceedings, where the interpretation of events in a chaotic environment can have significant consequences for the accused and the prevailing narrative of the case.