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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:42 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:42:12 GMT
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:34 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll. It also found the campaign appears
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll. It also found the campaign appears
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:38:42 GMT
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:46:33 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:46:33 GMT
One bird may have been responsible for several hundred Hoboken residents losing power.
One bird may have been responsible for several hundred Hoboken residents losing power. A spokeswoman for Public Service Electric & Gas says the bird touched a transformer on Clinton Street near Columbus Park Wednesday morning.
William Woodard takes the stand on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 during his murder trial.
