Aaron Dean Trial Day 5: Live updates
FORT WORTH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — The murder trial for former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean is now in its fifth day.
Dean is accused of intentionally shooting and killing 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson inside her home back in October 2019.
Dean himself took the stand on day four, and didn't waste any time addressing the jury.
"This jury needs to hear from me and hear the truth."
Following that statement, the 38-year-old briefly described his life growing up in Arlington. He also talked about his professional life prior to joining law enforcement. He formerly worked as an engineer at a commercial refrigerator plant in the area.
At the age of 32, he started the application process to become an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department. In August of 2017, he was accepted to the police academy.
The jury of 12 will make the decision on whether Dean remains free or spends up to life in prison.
The trial will be streamed live everyday on CBS News Dallas-Fort Worth.
A full timeline of the events leading up to the trial can also be found here.
Court breaks for the day
3:19 p.m. – State and defense close. Jury is recessed for the day and will resume on Wednesday.
Jury returns to courtroom
3:18 p.m. – The jury returns to the court.
Court resumes
3:10 p.m. – Court has resumed and testimony continues.
Court recesses for a short break
2:55 p.m. - Expert witness Jonathyn Priest finished his testimony and has been excused. The court is now on a short break.
State rests its case
2:57 p.m. — After calling a rebuttal witness to the stand, the state has rested its case.
#AaronDean trial day 5: State's rebuttal witness Jonathan Priest is now off the stand. @CBSDFW
— Ken Molestina (@cbs11ken) December 13, 2022
'There were a number of mistakes made in the particular case'
1:15 p.m. — Priest testifies that officers could have followed better practices and tactics when they approached the scene of Jefferson's home. He says he based his conclusions on various pieces of evidence and career experience.
Court resumes with more expert testimony
12:55 p.m. — Court resumed with more expert testimony after the lunch break. Rebuttal witness Jonathyn Priest, a forensic analyst, is providing his review of the incident that led to Jefferson's death.
DUELING EXPERTS in the #AaronDean trial:
— Caroline Vandergriff (@c_vandergriff) December 13, 2022
This morning, the defense put a law enforcement professor on the stand who said Dean did a "fine job" responding to the open structure call at #AtatianaJefferson's home.
This afternoon, we're hearing from the state's rebuttal witness.
Defense rests its case, courtroom breaks for lunch
11:39 a.m. — The defense has rested its case and Judge Gallagher dismissed the courtroom for lunch.
#AaronDean trial day 5: Defense has rested! Judge orders a break. Possibly early lunch break followed by instructions for deliberation by jury. @CBSDFW
— Ken Molestina (@cbs11ken) December 13, 2022
Dr. Coons: 'So far, this is good police work'
10:57 a.m. — Dr. Coons testifies that he doesn't see initial errors in how the former Fort Worth police officer approached a possible crime scene, calling it "good police work."
Cross-examination of Dr. Coons continues
10:52 a.m. — Prosecutors question Dr. Coons on the particular tactics Dean used when he approached Jefferson's home. Jurors are being shown selections of Dean's body cam video while prosecutors question if Dean checked exterior windows and for how long.
Cross-examination of Dr. Coons begins
10:30 a.m. — The court is back in session. Prosecutors have begun the cross-examination of Dr. Coons.
Court recesses for the morning break
10:15 a.m. — The court is in a short morning break. Testimony will continue at 10:30 a.m with the cross-examination of Dr. Coons.
Expert witness says Dean did 'fine job' based on training
9:45 a.m. — Yesterday, prosecutors questioned Dean's tactics the night he shot Jefferson, getting him to admit several times that some steps he took were "bad police work." Today, Dr. Coons says Dean did a "fine job" based on training.
Expert witness testifies on police procedure and use of force
9:15 a.m. — Dr. Jay Coons, a criminologist at Sam Houston University, is now on the stand for the defense as an expert witness. He's currently speaking about police procedure and use of force protocols.