Brandon Moats

Brandon Moats testified for the State on Day 5 about sounds he heard from Sarah Boone's neighboring apartment on February 23, 2020. He lived at Tealwood Apartments with Vincent Battaglia and described thin walls through which he frequently heard arguments. He recalled arguing probably around 7:00 or 8:00 that evening, followed by a loud crash he estimated at 10:30 or 11:00. The sound seemed to begin above his bedroom and move away as though something were falling down the neighboring stairs. He said it shook both roommates' rooms, but did not identify what fell or who caused it.

Cross-examination explored the basis and limits of his recollections. Moats explained that his estimate for the earlier arguing came from his routine after returning from class, making lunch, and showering. He confirmed hearing loud male and female voices but could not remember whether the exchange was back and forth. He said he usually avoided Boone and Jorge Torres because they were frequently drunk and had learned to tune out their arguments.

Moats also clarified that his roommate first relayed the patio incident, although he personally saw Boone asleep there. He remembered speaking with her while locked out of his apartment but could not recall her words. His impression was that she did not want to go home. The State declined redirect, and he was released subject to recall at the defense's request.

His noise account remained a disputed part of the trial evidence. Chelsey Koepsell confirmed that both neighbors reported a loud noise during investigative interviews. Owens later argued that they had confused dates and described an alleged stair incident from the preceding night, citing their statements and a photograph of undisturbed belongings below the stairs. That was the defense's interpretation, not a finding that Moats's account was mistaken.