Testimony continued on Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of killing two DeKalb County police officers in 2008. Authorities say the officers were working off-duty security jobs at the Glenwood Garden Apartments when William Woodard shot them during a struggle.
Woodard is accused of killing DeKalb County police officers Ricky Bryant Jr. and Eric Barker with a .40 caliber handgun. DeKalb Prosecutor Don Geary said Woodard scuffled with one of the officers who had approached him. He said Woodard took his gun and shoved it into the officer's stomach, just underneath his vest, and opened fire.
The defense acknowledges Woodard is a convicted felon who should not have had a gun. Woodard's attorney, Dwight Thomas, told the jury the shooting was a case of self-defense.
"That self-defense is based on upon a series of provocations, excessive force and brutality that was used on him January 16, 2008 by two people that he believed to be bullies with badges," said Thomas.
On Wednesday, jury members heard a frantic 911 call that was made just after the shooting, and they also heard a description of the shooting from a former tow truck driver who happened to be in the area when the officers were killed. The witness, a convicted felon who appeared in a jail jumpsuit, was not identified.
DeKalb County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Woodard, who is expected to testify later in the trial.
The state will continue presenting its case against Woodard on Thursday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
William Woodard takes the stand on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 during his murder trial.
