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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:17:55 GMT
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:55:29 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:33:35 GMT
The wives of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers.
The wives and family members of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers. They say their loved ones are forced to work extra jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time for family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:06 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:06:09 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
William Woodard takes the stand on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 during his murder trial.
