Jill_Monier's Blog

On Ballin's cross examination of the medical examiner, he set up two chairs in front of the jury, imitating the seats Gauna and Garcia were sitting in, in their rental car when Trooper Jenks was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Highway 14 in Tipton County.

He had the medical examiner sit on the passenger side (where Gauna would have been) then Ballin leaned in the drivers side, asking the medical examiner how close close range is. He had her put her hand up like she was shooting a gun and he leaned in and then away from her. She said close range is about a foot from the barrel of the gun.

About 3 more TBI forensic scientists have testified since then. They were questioned about evidence found in the Nashville hotel room where Gauna and Garcia were arrested. The TBI investigators talk about a "green leafy substance" found in a gym bag on the floor of the hotel room and suspected blood on the suspects boxer shorts.

Prosecutors also showed pictures of the 2 guns found in a Wendy's dumpster in Nashville. They also had TBI investigators open up the evidence box and phsycially show them to the jury. One gun was a 357 revolver the other was a 25 caliber semi automatic. Jenks was believed to have been shot with the .25 caliber semi automatic pistol police tell us, it's also known as a Saturday Night Special.

Ballin does not cross examine any of them.

We'll have the latest tonight at 5, 5:30 and 9. Stay tuned!