By Gianna Njau
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (25 News) -New witnesses took the stand Wednesday in the day four trial of Tomiyale M. Anderson. Testimony included accounts of the shooting, along with photographs of the crime scene and the body of Kany’e “Muzzy” Stowers, who was killed at a Bloomington house party on April 8, 2022.
The first two witnesses described their interactions and what they remembered from the party. Prosecutors repeatedly spoke of their 2022 police interviews when their trial testimony differed or they said they could not remember key details.
Witness one testified that he considered Anderson like a brother. Prosecutors spoke and shared his 2022 interview in which he identified Anderson as the person who shot Stowers in the head and chest. At trial, Witness one gave conflicting accounts whether he saw the shooting and what happened afterward. The defense focused on those inconsistencies and his repeated inability to remember details.
Witness two testified that he couldn’t recall many details from that night.
Prosecutors spoke and shared his 2022 interview in which he described people outside his vehicle and told detectives that the sound of gunshots caused him to leave. Prosecutors also played recorded jail calls between Witness two and Anderson from 2025. Witness two repeatedly said he did not remember the conversations.
A Bloomington police detective that works for digital-forensics unit testified about cellphone extractions from Stowers, Anderson and other witnesses. The jury also saw reviewed video and other digital evidence connected to the party.
The chief forensic pathologist for the Mclean County Corner’s office testified that Stowers died from a single gunshot wound to the back. The bullet traveled through his lung, heart and aorta before exiting his chest.
Crime scene detectives for the Bloomington Police documented the scene at 405 E. Mill St. including Stowers’ body, blood evidence, a BB gun, cartridge casings and two bullet holes one lodged in the residence and one that was lodged in the dry wall of the home.
The prosecution also called a Bloomington Police detective who assisted with the case. The prosecution played interview recordings the detective conducted throughout the investigation, featuring people who were at the party and later became witnesses in the case. Their accounts included descriptions of masked people, vehicles and gunshots, though some witnesses said they could not identify the shooter.
Anderson has pleaded not guilty and is being charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm in connection with Stowers’ death.
Closing arguments are expected Friday.
