Overview
- Opening statements concluded Monday as jurors viewed first‑responder body‑camera footage showing Investigator Dornell Cousette gravely wounded before he was pronounced dead.
- Prosecutors say shots were fired seconds after Cousette told Luther Watkins Jr. not to run, with Watkins shot twice, including in the back, and Cousette shot once in the mouth.
- Defense attorneys concede Watkins fired the fatal shot and argue he acted in self‑defense, asserting Cousette fired first and that Watkins feared for his life.
- The state called seven witnesses on the first day, including a police secretary, a dispatcher and a supervisor contacted for backup, and played a 911 call from the scene.
- Judge Brad Almond previously restricted media access and limited uniformed law enforcement during jury selection, and testimony is scheduled to resume Tuesday.