Key witness in trial that put Dallas cop away for Botham Jean's murder turns up dead, shot to death

A man who was a key witness in the murder trial of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was brutally gunned down in the parking lot at his apartment complex late Friday.

Joshua Brown, who lived across the hallway from Botham Jean, was murdered around 10:30 p.m. on Friday night at the very same complex where Guyger shot and killed Jean inside his apartment last September, the Dallas Morning News reported.

Witnesses flagged down police and directed them to Brown's body. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Attorney Lee Merritt said that Brown was ambushed and executed while exiting his vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot. He was shot at close range, Lee said. However, where exactly Brown was shot remains disputed. Lee reported the mouth and chest, but the Dallas Morning News, citing a government official, said the back and thigh.

Witnesses told police they heard multiple gunshots and then saw a four-door sedan speeding from the parking lot. Police have not identified any suspects and they have not made any arrests.

Brown proved integral to securing Guyger's conviction.

He testified at Guyger's trail that he heard a commotion — that sounded like "two people meeting by surprise" — just before Guyger shot and killed Jean in his own apartment. Brown said he had just met Jean on the day of his murder and briefly talked with him earlier in the day.

Guyger was convicted of Jean's murder last week and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Brandt Jean, the younger brother of Botham, went viral after he forgave Guyger for murdering his brother. Brandt also hugged Guyger on the courtroom floor and told her that he loved her. He urged Guyger to become a Christian.