Trial Begins For Accused Cop Killer
DETROIT (WWJ) - An assistant Wayne County prosecutor said Detroit police officer Brian Huff never had a chance when he was shot to death last May.
In opening statements in the trial for Jason Gibson, assist prosecutor Thomas Trzcinski said DNA and ballistics will tie Gibson to the ambush shooting.
"He elected to shoot the first time, he elected to shoot the second time, he elected to shoot the third time," Trzcinski said in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Trzcinski told jurors officer Huff was hit two times in the doorway of the home on the city's eastside.
Gibson also is suspected of shooting four other cops before trying to run out of the home. He was hit once and was captured in the backyard by Huff's partner. A handgun and marijuana were recovered by officers.
Gibson is charged with first degree murder. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.
Gibson's defense attorney, Susan Reed, gave a brief opening statement and told jurors they will not be convinced by the evidence.
Brian Huff's widow was the first to take the witness stand.
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