Aaron Dean Trial Day 6: Live updates
get the free app
FORT WORTH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — The murder trial for former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean is now in its sixth day.
Defense attorneys began presenting their case on Dec. 6, 2022 in Tarrant County's 396th District Court.
Dean is accused of intentionally shooting and killing 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson inside her home back in October 2019.
During the five days of testimony, both sides called experts in police procedure as their last witnesses, to either defend or condemn Dean's actions when he shot Jefferson in 2019.
Tuesday afternoon, state District Judge George Gallagher said attorneys were finalizing jury instructions. During jury selection Gallagher told potential jurors he may consider a lesser included offense of manslaughter for them to consider but it wasn't clear at the end of the day if he would do that.
Wednesday morning, Dec. 14, lawyers gave closing arguments, and the jury began deliberations.
Jurors will be sequestered until they reach a verdict.
The trial is streaming live everyday on CBS News Dallas-Fort Worth. See a full timeline of the events leading up to the trial here.
Jury begins deliberations
11:16 a.m. - The jury is now deliberating in the death of Atatiana Jefferson.
Prosecutor Dale Smith completes closing arguments
11:15 a.m. - Prosecutor Dale Smith ended with: "Spilling your milk at breakfast, that's an accident. This is murder. You know he never saw that gun. He didn't know what he saw. And because of that Atatiana will never breathe again."
Prosecutor Dale Smith addresses jury
10:57 a.m. - Prosecutor Dale Smith addresses the jury.
Defense completes closing arguments
10:55 a.m. - The defense completes closing arguments.
Defense doubles down on self-defense
10: 52 a.m. - The defense doubles down on its argument the shooting was self-defense.
"He reasonably believed that his deadly force was necessary against her because it's universally against the law in the state of Texas to point a gun at a uniformed police officer."
Defense attorney Bob Gill: 'Aaron's actions justified'
10:45 a.m. - "Pointing a firearm at another human being is a progressive, violent, provocative event. Aaron's actions that evening were justified. He was sent out there by his department to do a job."
Defense continues closing arguments
10:37 - "You heard a lot of criticism. A lot of Monday morning quarterbacking," said defense attorney Bob Gill before slamming forensic expert, Jonathan Priest, called upon by prosecutors earlier this week.
Defense attorney Bob Gill points finger at Jefferson
10:25 a.m. - Defense attorney Bob Gill said Jefferson had the right to defend herself, nephew in her home until "she pointed a gun at a Fort Worth police officer," during his closing argument.
Defense begins closing arguments
10:13 - "This is a tragedy. It was a tragedy on that day. And it will continue to be one. But a tragedy doesn't always equate to a crime."
'Find him guilty' state finishes closing arguments
10:07 a.m. - Asst. Co. District Attorney Ashlea Deener continues closing arguments.
"Atatiana didn't commit a crime by walking up to her window to protect herself and her nephew. She was in her own home. If we can't feel safe, where will feel safe?"
Referring to Dean: "This defendant has a tremendous amount of power when he puts on his uniform."
"For three years, Atatiana's family has waited for this day," Deener said. "We want to feel safe in our home. Finding him guilty, says 'I'm holding you accountable.' The power you have today is to hold him responsible. It's to tell them that it wasn't in vain. It's to say she matters. They matter... East side matters -- we protect everyone and the law agrees. All of the evidence in this case is demanding a guilty verdict. That is exactly what we are asking for today. We know what he does with power. What are you guys going to do about it? Find him guilty."
Asst. Co. District Attorney Ashlea Deener presents closing arguments
9:57 a.m. - Asst. Co. District Attorney Ashlea Deener presents closing arguments.
"If you can't feel safe in your own home? Where can we feel safe? It's where we make memories. That's why it's sacred. That's why it's so important."
Manslaughter on the table
9:45 a.m. - State District Judge George Gallagher tells the jury they have two charges to consider -- murder or manslaughter.
State District Judge George Gallagher gives guidance
9:39 a.m. - State District Judge George Gallagher gives guidance to the jurors as they prepare to hear closing arguments and eventually start deliberation.
"I am one of the judges. The other is you the jury. You are judges of the facts only. Your sole duty is to determine whether the state has proved beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty."
Court back in session
9:36 a.m. - Court back in session.
