FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Former Fort Worth Police Officer Aaron Dean took the stand Monday morning, on the first day of defense testimony in his murder trial.
He’s accused of shooting Atatiana Jefferson to death during an open door call at her family’s home in October of 2019.
Dean’s defense attorney’s asked their client why he wanted to testify.
“Because this jury needs to hear from me and hear the truth,” he stated.
Dean claims he shot Jefferson through a bedroom window because he feared for his life but prosecutors argued he wasn’t justified to shoot.
He was asked about the training he received at Fort Worth PD.
“For about five months, you ride along side other officers…multiple other officers and work calls with them and they grade your performance and critique what you’ve done and give you tips on how to do things better,” said Dean.
The prosecution rested its case on last Wednesday after three days of testimony.
Jurors heard from several witnesses including first responders, the Tarrant County Deputy Medical Examiner and Jefferson’s nephew Zion Carr, who witnessed the shooting.
Dallas Attorney Toby Shook, who was no connection to the case, said that was very likely part of a strategy.
“They want Aaron Dean on the stand, to kind of get him up there early…you can always save stuff for rebuttal,” he said.
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