(Watch the hearing live in the player above when court is in session. You may need to refresh your browser.)
In the “stand your ground” hearing of retired police Captain Curtis Reeves, the defendant himself is expected to take the stand. Reeves shot and killed Chad Oulson during an altercation at a movie theater three years ago, after Oulson was texting during previews. Reeves claims that he feared for his life after Oulson approached him, and shouldn’t be charged with any crimes due to Florida’s “stand your ground” law which allows deadly force if there is a reasonable fear of mortal danger. The hearing, which began last week, will determine whether Reeves will face a trial for second degree murder or gain immunity. You can watch the hearing in the player above, once court is in session.
On Monday, attorneys spent most of the day questioning and arguing about testimony from crime scene constructionist, Michael Knox, who took the stand for the defense He testified that given the measurements of the seats, it would have been difficult for Reeves to put himself at a safe distance from Chad Olson. Knox said he placed mannequins in the movie theater to try to replicate the conditions during the shooting. He also said that the wound on Nicole Oulson’s finger shows he was close to Chad’s chest when the gun was fired.
A Use of force expert is expected to take the stand on Tuesday. Curtis Reeves himself is also expected to testify on Tuesday, according to his attorneys.
Ronn Blitzer contributed to this report.
[Image via CBS10 screengrab]