Tools

Jurors Hear Closing Arguments In Trooper Trial

by KREX News Room
by Jordan Sherman
by Teri

Story Created: Apr 17, 2012 at 5:09 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2012 at 8:34 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Colorado State Trooper Ivan Lawyer stands accused of negligent homicide after he kicked in the door of Jason Kemp's residence and fatally shot him.

Lawyer followed Kemp back to his residence after Kemp was allegedly driving under the influence and then fled the scene of an accident.

Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said, "This is one of the most difficult cases I've been involved in." Hautzinger also said, "I have a strong professional opinion of Mr. Lawyer, but justice requires that Lawyer be responsible for his actions."

The prosecution began closing arguments by stating that peace officers are no exception to Colorado's, "Make My Day" law. The law gives homeowners the right to defend their house from unlawful entry.

Lawyer's attorney Eric Fenster argued that this case was about recklessness and his client did not act recklessly.

Fenster challenged the jury to to find within the 90 second time span of Lawyer entering the residence and firing the shots, that he stopped acting as a peace officer and started acting like a criminal.

The jury is expected to begin deliberation on this case Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Justice for Ivan said on Wednesday, Apr 18 at 7:44 AM

I hope the jury finds him NOT GUILTY!!!!

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Apr 18 at 2:22 AM

Nope. Kemp punched his own ticket. He got absolutely plastered after drinking all day, ran from the cops and talked himself into a coffin. The trooper unfortunately got sucked into that predicament. Mistake or not, what the trooper did was a DIRECT result of Kemp's actions. Not Guilty.

anonymous said on Wednesday, Apr 18 at 12:28 AM

Really fenster?(lower case intentional for the low life lawyer, defending the low life lawyer!) The second he chose to participate in kicking in the door without a warrant he started acting as a criminal!

Steve said on Tuesday, Apr 17 at 7:39 PM

HOMOCIDE? Really nobody use spell check anymore...

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather