Opening Statements Presented in Yanez Trial
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Opening statements in the manslaughter case of a Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a black motorist included sharply different versions of whether the officer ever saw the man's gun.
Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the July death of 32-year-old Philando Castile. Yanez had pulled Castile over for a broken taillight when Castile told him he was carrying a gun.
Moments later, Castile was mortally wounded.
Prosecutor Rick Dusterhoft told jurors squad car video will be played in which Yanez can be heard telling a fellow officer he didn't know where the gun was.
Defense attorney Paul Engh says Yanez will testify Castile ignored commands and that he saw Castile's hand on the grip of the gun before he opened fire.