14-year-old Shay Epping was called as the first witness Friday in Kiley Hudson’s trial for the murder of Gary Salomon.

Shay is friend and playmate of Hudson’s son Isaac. Shay testified he was present the day before the altercation and at the fight. The day before, the boy’s ball went into Salomon’s yard angering Salomon prompting him to tell them to keep the ball away or he would stab it. Hudson admonished him saying there was no reason to talk that way to the kids.

The day of the fight Shay said he saw Hudson and Salomon arguing with Hudson telling Salomon to get off his yard with Salomon replying he had to talk to Hudson. Then the fight began. He said it looked like they were stopping when Eggleston, the neighbor interfered tackling Hudson. Then Eggleston and Hudson separated. Then Hudson and Salomon re-engaged.

Shay testified he remembered Salomon and Hudson backed into a tree with Salomon behind Hudson with his arm around his neck causing Hudson to turn purple. He did not see the stabbing. He stated he had no discussions with Isaac or Hudson’s wife since the incident.

Following testimony by another neighbor, the defense called Gary Knowles, a retired O.S.P. criminologist. Knowles testified he used a computer program to create photos to illustrate how the incident transpired saying he created at least 40 renderings and noted clarifications for those. He testified the video created by the defense using actors was closer to actually what happened. The jury was shown the video and Knowles was excused.

The jury was also dismissed for the weekend.

Next week Detective Yerrick may be recalled to testify and the jury is likely to hear the 911 tape.