The prosecution called their first witness in the rape, kidnapping and aggravated assault case against Rashod Vereen Monday afternoon, following opening arguments earlier that morning.

According to authorities, Vereen approached three people eating at a pavilion at Seaborn Jones Park in Rockmart.

He pulled out a gun and told one of the victims to leave while holding him at gunpoint.

The two other victims, who were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, were led to the Silver Comet Trail where Vereen allegedly raped the woman while her boyfriend watched. He also robbed the couple.

The prosecution called Ryan Fricks to the stand, who is one of the alleged armed robbery victims.  He testified that Vereen approached the two other victims in the park and led him and the female victim into the woods off the trail, where he could hear the female screaming while he laid down on the ground.

During cross examination, the defense called into question the accuracy of Fricks’ statements on whether he knew Vereen or had an axe to grind with him.

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)