A high-profile trial in Fort Worth is offering a glimpse into the private and sometimes dangerous world of outlaw motorcycle clubs. The leader of the Fort Worth Bandidos is accused of murder.
Prosecutors are making the case that it all comes down to a turf war. Several experts have testified that the Bandidos claim to "own Texas" as their territory and that when any other groups step in, people can get hurt.
"There's gunshots, there's movement. It's complete chaos, is what it was," one witness testified Tuesday.
She was one of a string of witnesses who described the violent night in December 2014 when 41-year-old Geoffrey Brady was shot and killed.
"He was an awesome guy, very laid-back. If you ever had a problem you could tell it to him without being judged," said another witness, Megan Klein-Smith.
The witnesses said about 30 members of the Bandidos rushed into Gator's biker bar in Fort Worth to retaliate against rival motorcycle groups.
David Antes was the first person injured.
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"All of a sudden I was hit by somebody with something, and I went down to the ground," Antes said.
Klein-Smith said she saw a whole group of Bandidos beating her husband.
"They were kicking him and punching him, trying to kick his ears off his head," Klein-Smith said. "It looked like they were trying to take his patches off of him."
It comes down to those patches that biker clubs wear on their vests. Other motorcycle groups had started wearing a Texas badge, and prosecutors say the Bandidos thought that was stepping on their territory.
"They try to be as intimidating as they can, and if you don't respect them you're going to get beat up," Klein-Smith said.
But prosecutors say Fort Worth Bandidos won't do anything unless their leader, Howard Wayne Baker, gives the word. Witnesses saw him there that night holding a gun. He's now charged with murder, aggravated assault and organized crime.
No one has testified that they actually saw Baker shoot Brady, just that he was nearby when it happened.
Security is high at the courthouse for this trial. The courtroom area is blocked off, and everyone entering the courtroom has to be patted down after passing through metal detectors at the front doors.
Emergency responders are also keeping an eye on other motorcycle clubs coming into town this week.
