Well, we will see Monday afternoon.
Defense presents case in murder trial
-The Herald-ZeitungA jury Thursday heard the other side in the ongoing story of a blood trail spilled on the kitchen floor of a Canyon Lake woman’s house.
Defense attorney John Esman presented his case Thursday in Robert Smith’s murder trial.
Robert “Bobby” Smith, 41, Esman’s client, stands trial for the alleged July 2008 murder of his girlfriend, 53-year-old Nancy Shields.
Louis Akin, a certified criminal defense investigator out of Austin, gave his testimony Thursday on the blood spatter at the couple’s home at 1235 Hedgestone in Canyon Lake.
He said the blood trail told a tale of what happened.
“There are two possibilities,” Akin began. “One, someone stabbed her from behind. It’s possible that someone stabbed her ... but there are no signs of fighting or any kind of struggle.”
He pointed out the blood trail led a straight line from the kitchen to the bedroom of the mobile home. If a struggle would have occurred, Akin said a different blood pattern would be present.
From a medical examiner’s photography, Akin also pointed out a space on Shields’ hand that was reminiscent of a knife handle.
“All of the evidence is consistent with her stabbing herself,” he said. “That is not to say that other possibilities are completely ruled out.”
The jury adjourned at 2 p.m. Thursday. Comal County District Attorney Geoff Barr said closing arguments will be heard at 9 a.m. Monday morning. The jury will then offer their verdict.
