Two murder trials got underway on Monday at the Houston County Courthouse.

Both defendants are charged with the murder of the same victim.

Twenty-one-year-old Rod-Ricky's Tywon Williams was gunned down at Southern Night's Lounge back in July of 2006.

Now, two men stand trial for his murder.

Friends and family members split their time between two courtrooms as the murder trials started of Soloman Knight and Demetrius Roberts.

Both men are charged with the murder of Rod-Ricky's Tywon Williams.

Authorities allege Soloman was the trigger man and Roberts provided the weapon.

Roberts' friends and family say they hope the jury will take into consideration that his father died a violent death and his mother is in prison.

Mary Pugh, Robert's aunt said, “I just hope that they look into his past and see that he's a good kid, he's not just one of those violent people that love to get in trouble all the time. He was very influenced by some people.”

The victim's family shuttled between both courtrooms as witnesses took the stands.

Jaquala Wilson, William's sister-in-law said, “We as a family would like to just have justice served and just to bring peace toward the defendant; just put it in God's hands, let his will and his word be done.”

Prosecuting Attorney Arthur Medley says that it was a concerted effort to hold both trials at the same time.

It allowed witnesses from out of town to make just one trip.

This is the first time anyone can remember co-defendants’ murder trials occurring at the same time in Houston County.

The juries in both trials are expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday.