Was man on slain Syracuse handyman's porch a murderer or a victim? Jury to decide

Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man is on trial this week in the murder of a handyman in an overnight shooting on the victim's porch last year. Lynnquan Kellam, 27, admits being at Arthur Bullock's porch at 142 Fage Ave. when Bullock was shot to death.

But Kellam claims he was not the shooter, but a victim, as well.

Bullock, a popular handyman among his neighbors, was shot and killed while trying to help two men being robbed on his front porch around 2 a.m. May 31, 2013, police said.

Kellam was interviewed for eight hours in the week after Bullock's death, but maintained he was one of those robbed, not the perpetrator.

Syracuse police continued the investigation and a witness came forward accusing Kellam. He was interviewed again for six hours a month later, but his story didn't change, said defense lawyer Don Kelly.

Kelly believes that other witnesses that night may know who committed the robbery, but colluded to blame Kellam.

Kellam claims a bullet grazed Kellam during the robbery. He noted that police had a different "person of interest" before a witness came forward weeks after the crime.

Prosecutor Melinda McGunnigle is presenting her case, which includes video recordings of Kellam's second interview with investigators. Kellam is facing 25 years to life in prison if he's convicted. The trial is expected to go into next week.

The murder of Bullock, a popular handyman among his neighbors led to grief and fear after his death.

Kellam's case is before County Court Judge Joseph Fahey, who does not allow cameras in his courtroom. Kellam's photo was never released by Syracuse police due to witness identification issues.

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Was man on slain Syracuse handyman's porch a murderer or a victim? Jury to decide