EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The prosecution in the trial of a former Las Cruces Police officer who is charged with shooting and killing a man in 2022 has “rested its case” Friday, Feb. 7 on day four of the trial in Las Cruces.
Former LCPD officer Brad Lunsford is facing a charge of voluntary manslaughter with a firearm enhancement in the shooting death of Presley Eze in 2022.
Starting next week, the defense will present its case to the jury.
So far in the trial, the jury has heard testimony from seven state witnesses. Michael White is a criminal justice professor brought in by the state as an expert witness to testify on taser use and de-escalation tactics. White continued his testimony for the second day on Friday, with the defense starting out the line of questioning.
Here is a brief summary:
Defense: “All you’re saying here today is based on the review of the video that is only 27 seconds, that blocks your view of some important moments, you think Mr. Lunsford’s reasoning is unreasonable?”
White: “That’s the opinion that I came up with, so yes. “
The defense also pointed out that while White has done research on tasers and worked in law enforcement, he is not certified in using one. White was the only witness to testify on Friday and was the last witness for the state.
The defense also filed a motion for a directed verdict which would end the jury trial early. However, the motion was denied by Judge Jim Foy, meaning the trial will continue.
The trial will resume at 9 a.m. on Monday.