BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jurors heard opening statements and testimony from witnesses on day one of the trial of a South Buffalo man accused of killing his former girlfriend got underway Monday.
Shane Casado is charged with second-degree murder. He's accused in the shooting death of his former girlfriend, 22-year-old Rachael Wierzbicki, outside a home on Edson Street in Buffalo on November 27, 2018.
Our coverage includes reporting from Aaron Besecker of The Buffalo News who was in the courtroom.
Defense attorney James Egan said in his opening statement that there is no proof Casado intended to cause Wierzbicki's death. He said Casado told her not to come to his home that night and asked her to leave when she got there.
Egan said that Wierzbicki was the "initial aggressor" in the situation when she approached Casado and slapped him. According to Egan, Casado fired a warning shot, Wierzbicki "keeps coming" and then fired a shot that hit her.
The first witness to testify was Kathryn Currier. She was a friend of Wierzbicki and was there when Wierzbicki was shot.
She testified that Casado had been pointing a rifle at Wierzbicki, in the driveway. Currier said that after Wierzbicki was shot, she got out of the car and approached her. She said Wierzbicki told her she could not move her legs and felt like she was floating.
Those were Wierzbicki's last words before she lost consciousness.
During afternoon testimony, the 911 call was played in court.
According to the Buffalo News, witnesses and prosecutors say Shane Casado shot Wierzbicki with a .22 caliber rifle, and that Casado called 911.
In the call, the man on the phone told 911 he opened fire because there was property destruction and threats that were made. When asked who was shot, the man said "A friend... no longer a friend."
During the 911 call, Casado is heard saying, "Rachael, you're fine. It's a .22."
Testimony continues Tuesday. 2 On Your Side is following the trial, along with the Buffalo News, and will post updates throughout.