By Michael Copley
staff writer

Spectators filled the courtroom Monday for Ethan and Joseph Parrish Jr.’s preliminary hearing in the murder case of Tahliek Taliaferro.

The Parrish cousins are accused of gunning down Taliaferro on Dorset Rd. in Powhatan on June 26 after an altercation at Bruster’s Ice Cream shop. Courtney Jones, Taliaferro’s friend, was wounded in the shooting.

Steven Conte, Ethan Parrish’s attorney requested a separation of the cousins’ trial.

“Both [Parrish cousins] are charged as responsible parties, but the defendants’ positions are adverse to one another,” said Ethan Parrish’s defense, “And the courses of defense are different. Ethan had no prior relationship with the victim whereas Joey had a negative one.”

Conte also pointed out that because Joseph Parrish Jr. was a juvenile at the time of the shooting, he would not be subject to jury sentencing.

“The risk is that a singular jury could fail to distinguish between the relative differences between the two.”

Judge Thomas V. Warren denied Conte’s request for separation. “I understand your concerns,” said Judge Warren, “But you may underestimate the ability of the jury to separate.”

Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Beasley said he anticipates a three day trial and after a speedy trial waiver, the case was set for March 18, 19, and 20.