ATLANTA — The trial for a man accused of felony murder in the shooting death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in Atlanta five years ago began with opening statements on Wednesday.

In 2020, the start of summer brought a wave of civil unrest and COVID-19 surges to southeast Atlanta.

It was an unprecedented time that brought unprecedented tragedy.

"Police had coined the term "an autonomous zone" where during this time, there was minimal police presence," executive district attorney Adam Abbate said. "(The defendant and his alleged gang) set up an armed checkpoint, controlling the authority of who could come and go."

The driver of a car with 8-year-old Turner in the back did not stop at the checkpoint the night of July 4, 2020. They were immediately met with gunfire.

"In the moment since t

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