GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Years after a man was sentenced to prison, he wanted to kill the “rat” who helped put him behind bars, prosecutors argued.

Dominike Sterling allegedly carried out his plan two years ago in Grand Rapids when he fatally shot 32-year-old Daryl Yarber.

Sterling, 33, is representing himself at trial this week at the Kent County Courthouse.

He’s charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm.

Jurors began deliberations on Thursday, Dec. 11, after the prosecution and Sterling delivered closing arguments. The trial featured two days of testimony that included reluctant witnesses on the stand.

“This was an execution,” Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Blair Lachman told the jury.

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