Valley man testifies in murder trial

BRENTWOOD, N.H. -- John Brooks' brother-in-law testified Monday that he never heard the Las Vegas millionaire order the killing of a handyman he suspected of stealing from him.

John Brooks, 56, is charged with capital murder in the death of Jack Reid, a 57-year-old handyman he hired in 2003 to move personal belongings. Brooks is accused of hiring four men to kidnap and kill Reid and of helping them beat Reid to death in a barn.

Last week, jurors heard from Andrew Carter, who said Brooks called him and another man to a meeting at a sand pit, where he ranted about Reid stealing from him and gave them a gun and ammunition to kill Reid. Brooks' brother-in-law, Rod Chamberlain, also was at that 2003 meeting, but he testified Monday that he went back to his car to smoke a cigarette while Brooks talked to the two other men.

Chamberlain, a wall covering salesman from Las Vegas, had refused to testify last week, citing his Fifth Amendment privilege. But after speaking with his lawyer, both Chamberlain and his wife, Ann, agreed to take the stand.

Chamberlain testified that while he and Brooks initially suspected Reid could have been involved in the theft, neither told police of their suspicions.

Two other men charged in the case have pleaded guilty and two others are awaiting trial.