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Closing arguments are set to begin today (Thursday, May 8) in the murder trial of Jonte Wunner in Albany. Wunner, 26, stands accused of shooting and killing Mohammed Poquee on North Pearl Street on October 20, 2024. The prosecution has presented testimony from 19 witnesses, while Wunner's defense team chose not to call any witnesses.
According to WNYT, Poquee was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center. The Albany County District Attorney's Office has charged Wunner with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Police arrested Wunner shortly after the incident and recovered a .38 caliber handgun from his jacket.
Poquee, the victim, had been released from prison the previous year after serving more than two decades for a rape conviction that was vacated due to withheld exonerating evidence. His death marked the eleventh homicide in Albany in 2024.
Wunner, who previously served prison time for grand larceny and weapons possession, was arrested in December 2024. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. The trial will resume at 9:15 a.m. as the court hears the final arguments from both sides.