Sports: Rapper Testifies Against Ray Lewis
HOT 104.com News Desk

What sparked the Buckhead street fight remains unclear, but it appears that both sides -- the occupants of Ray Lewis' limousine and the two men stabbed to death -- were active and willing participants in a fracas that escalated into death, according to statements witnesses gave authorities.

The 250-pound Lewis helped escalate the fight by taking his gold chain from his neck, an unmistakable action that said he was ready to fight, according to a statement from Jeff Gwen, an Akron, Ohio, resident and friend of the two men stabbed to death in the fight.

Prosecutors are expected to use that statement to challenge defense contentions that Lewis, the All-Pro linebacker charged with murder, tried to be a peacemaker. Gwen told police he then saw Lewis fighting with one of the victims shortly before the victim was stabbed.

Gwen's statements -- and those of Lewis' limousine driver -- were used by prosecutors to obtain the Feb. 11 murder indictment against Lewis and co-defendants Reginald Oakley, 31, of Baltimore and Joseph Sweeting, 34, of Miami. The statements are a key element behind the prosecution's contention that Lewis is guilty of murder because he participated in a crime -- aggravated assault -- that led to the death of the victims.

Gwen did not see Lewis holding a knife

Gwen, a fledgling rapper known as Chino Nino, is certain to be aggressively cross-examined at trial as defense lawyers question his criminal record, his violence-filled rap lyrics and why he left the scene in Buckhead before police arrived.

Gwen gave his first statement to police on Feb. 9, more than a week after the slayings occurred.

A day before he gave that statement, he pleaded guilty in Akron to violating probation on felony drug charges. Gwen had been convicted in Akron in January 1999 of preparing marijuana for sale. He was placed on two years' probation.

Ohio authorities returned Gwen to court Feb. 8 and sentenced him to stricter probation with intensive oversight and ordered to serve time in an Akron halfway house.

Gwen's rap lyrics are filled with lines about drug money, pimps and gangsters. He portrays himself as a wealthy, tough street thug. He lives with his grandmother in Akron.