Witness Testifies In Murder Of T.I. Associate

A surprise witness took the stand yesterday (Nov. 25) in the trial of Hosea Thomas, the man accused of killing Philant Johnson, a friend and associate of T.I.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Kim Sweeten, 25, testified that Thomas was her boyfriend at the time of the 2006 shooting, and that they left Club Ritz and left together and went home.

This contradicts allegations that Thomas, along with brother Padron Thomas, opened fire upon a van with T.I. and his entourage, leaving several injured and Johnson dead.

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Seth Tieger was reportedly skeptical, questioning Sweeten and her decision to come forward with this information last minute.

Sweeten responded by claiming she did not know Thomas had been charged because she was living in Atlanta. She claimed she had come back to Cincinnati, and heard the trial was going on.

So you just happened to be the one who can exonerate him?" Tieger asked. "Lucky for him here you are here.

Sweeten responded: No, its not lucky for him because he didnt do it. God works in mysterious ways.

If convicted, Thomas could spend the rest of his life in prison.