LORAIN — Jury trial has begun for Willie Damarr Gaddy Jr., the Lorain man charged in the April 2025 Tower Boulevard shooting that left two people dead, including his younger brother.
But the biggest legal fight may not be whether Gaddy fired the shots — it is whether a jury will accept his claim of self-defense.
Defense attorney Joseph Morse formally notified the court that Gaddy intends to argue self-defense and defense of another in the deaths of Larry Moore Jr. and Jayzeir “J.G.” Gaddy.
In court filings, Morse wrote that Gaddy “proposes to offer evidence of self-defense” and plans to introduce evidence involving the alleged victim’s prior conduct, including criminal convictions, reputation evidence and specific prior acts that could support Gaddy’s belief that deadly force was necessary .
Prosecutors are pushing back, arguing Gaddy and his younger brother created the deadly confrontation by returning to the Tower Boulevard plaza armed and prepared for violence.
The State alleges Gaddy drove J.G. back to the barbershop area knowing he intended to confront Larry Moore and others. Court filings state prosecutors believe that after J.G. was shot, Willie Gaddy fired multiple rounds at Moore, striking him nine times.
Because of that, prosecutors argue self-defense should not apply .
Just before trial, Gaddy tried to delay the case.
On April 27, he made an oral motion asking Judge Donna Freeman to remove Morse and continue the trial, claiming counsel had not properly prepared him, reviewed evidence with him, or discussed trial strategy.
Judge Freeman denied the request.
The court record states the motion “was not well-taken and was denied.” Fourteen jurors were seated immediately, and prosecutors began presenting their case that same day. Trial resumed April 28 .
Gaddy, 21, faces aggravated murder, five counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault and firearm specifications tied to a Taurus G3C 9 mm handgun.
The charges stem from the April 11, 2025 shooting at 1139 Tower Boulevard. Larry Joe Moore Jr., 21, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jayzeir Gaddy, 17, was taken to a hospital and later died.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Gaddy could face life in prison.
