Several witnesses in a deadly shooting Somerset County take the stand.
21-year-old Bruce Emerick is on trial accused of killing his fiance, 33-year-old Jeanine Downing.
Key prosecution
witness Jennifer Jacobs said she saw Emerick and Jeanine tug at a deer rifle as it
went off in December 2007. The two had been out drinking and celebrating his birthday, but witnesses say they had also been arguing.
Jacobs
confirmed with Emerick claims happened, that Downing was holding the barrel to her jawbone when it went off. Emerick's hands were on the stock near the trigger. She also told the jury that Jeanine kept telling him to "Just shoot me".
Emerick's attorney questioned her about her 911 call that night. During the call, Emerick told dispatchers that "My friend just shot herself". Further giving credence to Emerick's defense.
A
state police firearms expert testified Tuesday that while it took a
lighter-than-average 2 pounds of pressure to make the trigger fire, he
could not get it to fire accidentally by dropping it and the like.
Others testifying include Downing's brother, a day care worker from Johnstown who said Emerick was upset with Downing that night.
The
prosecution is expected to wrap up its case today, defense attorneys say at this point they aren't sure if Emerick will take the stand.
The case is expected to be in the hands of the jury before the day is over.
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