Defense attorney Jamie Ashley said he lost one game but won another after the state indicted a Lake Havasu City teenager in the death of another on Wednesday. Instead of contesting her client Carter Beckwith, 19, shooting and killing Damon Petetan, 19, in the yard outside a house party at Alpine Lane 2387, she created a case for self-defense. I’m trying
When Mojave County Deputy Attorney Rod Albright dropped his case early Wednesday afternoon, Ashley asked Judge Doug Camacho to order an acquittal, arguing that the evidence Albright had presented in the lead case was insufficient. Therefore, he argued that the case should not proceed to a jury for consideration.
The removal, or Rule 20 motion, was debated before the Superior Court jury, which was segregated in the jury room.
“This is a pretty obvious case of self-defense,” Ashley argued. “There is insufficient evidence to support a conviction.”
Albright admits that Beckwith shot Petetan, countering that the used casing of the bullet that killed Petetan matched the pistol found in Beckwith’s car when he was arrested in Parker hours after the murder. bottom.
“There is sufficient evidence for a jury to conclude that the defendant intentionally caused the victim’s death,” Albright said. “The state believes it has enough evidence to send this to a jury.”
Judge Camacho sided with Albright and denied Ashley’s Rule 20 motion for direct acquittal.
A 40-minute hearing ensued as Ashley fought for the right to call a witness she said was a qualified expert to testify about Petetan’s involvement in the gang. He said a jury would need to hear testimony to understand why he was afraid of Petetan.
Albright objected, claiming Ashley was trying to attack the victim’s character and failing to properly qualify Dustin Dovin, a former state gang task force officer. now working as a defense investigator, observed Pietan’s social media accounts to investigate his alleged involvement with the GDB gang, and witnessed images of firearms, drug paraphernalia and displays of gang signs. told the court he did. .
“Gang signs are important. GDB across social media is important,” said Ashley. She said Dobbin’s testimony lays the groundwork for Beckwith to explain the fear in his head and why he shot Petetan.
Judge Camacho ruled in Ashley’s favor and issued complex instructions about what she would do and what she would be allowed to ask Dovin when he took the witness stand late Wednesday afternoon. It remains to be seen if Beckwith will testify, and it looks like the trial will be over by Monday, as originally scheduled.
Beckwith has been charged with second-degree murder. He told police that Petetan drew his weapon and aimed it first at him before pulling out a gun and firing at the victim.
Police investigating the crime scene found no weapons associated with Petetan.
