An expert witness with a 20-year career in law enforcement testified that he believes Cortez police officers used excessive force when arresting a man with mental health problems on Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
Shane French, 38, is on trial for stabbing Cortez police officer Casey Eubanks. The defendant, who opted not to testify, claims he was trying to defend his blind father and elderly mother. Former Pueblo County Sheriff Dan Corsentino seemed to agree.<\/p>\n
Paid by the defense to review the case, Corsentino outlined his qualifications to jurors on Thursday, the fourth day of the trial. A graduate of the FBI academy with 20 years in law enforcement, Corsentino now operates a private investigation and security-consulting firm. Prosecutors stipulated he could testify as an expert.<\/p>\n
Without a warrant or presented with an emergency, police didn\u2019t have legal grounds to enter French\u2019s home, Corsentino said, adding that officers \u201cmiscalculated\u201d and made the \u201cwrong judgment\u201d to enter.<\/p>\n
Corsentino also said he believes that officers used excessive force, using stun guns on him seven times, including five while he was handcuffed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe officers involved \u2026 used excessive force,\u201d Corsentino told jurors.<\/p>\n
To bolster its Make My Day case, French\u2019s defense showed photos depicting multiple red welts surrounding a large bruise on French\u2019s back and numerous bruises up and down his legs.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors\u2019 third and final witness, French\u2019s mother, was also called to the stand on Thursday. Patty French said she called 911 the night in question with a hope that officers would be able to help \u201ccalm her son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs,\u201d French testified.<\/p>\n
She also testified that responding officers busted into her home, shoved her blind husband and then tackled her son within seconds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe police pounded on the door,\u201d said French. \u201cThey pushed on it, and they came rushing in.\u201d<\/p>\n
On cross-examination, French further testified that her son suffers from a mental disorder, but he was never violent or made any physical threats. On the witness stand for more than an hour, French said police barged into her home without reason and used excessive force.<\/p>\n
After her testimony, public defender Heather Little requested a direct judgment for acquittal on all nine charges. She argued that prosecutors failed to provide evidence that her client stabbed an officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was no blood found on the knives,\u201d said Little.<\/p>\n
District Attorney Will Furse countered that \u201cintent may be inferred from all circumstances\u201d connected to the evidence. He added the defendant repeatedly apologized to police the night in question, which demonstrated an admission of guilt.<\/p>\n
District Court Judge Todd Plewe did dismiss one count of resisting arrest, but ruled there was \u201csufficient evidence\u201d presented on the remaining four counts of assault and four counts of resisting arrest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe jury should decide,\u201d said Plewe.<\/p>\n
Outside of the jury\u2019s presence, Furse on Thursday twice attempted to introduce evidence about the defendant\u2019s prior felony conviction. The defense called it a \u201csmear campaign.\u201d The court denied each request, meaning jurors would not be privy to the information.<\/p>\n
Closing statements were set for Friday morning, with jury deliberations starting by noon. During their discussion, jurors won\u2019t be permitted to posses cell phones nor even consult a dictionary, Plewe instructed.<\/p>\n
Throughout the first four days of the trial, attorneys from both sides launched more than 120 total objections.<\/p>\n