DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger took the stand in her Murder trial Friday.
Within minutes of beginning her testimony Guyger was asked about her sexual relationship with her former Police partner Martin Rivera. Guyger testified that the relationship was on and off because Rivera was married.
“I knew it was morally wrong,” said Guyger. “I didn’t want to hurt anybody and I knew it was going to go anywhere.”
Guyger said she exchanged flirtatious texts the day of the shooting with Rivera. The prosecution pointed out in its case that both Guyger and Rivera deleted texted messages between each other after the shooting.
When asked to reenact the moment she went to the door Guyger became emotional while holding her old Police vest and backpack. Judge Tammy Kemp opted to recess for 10 minutes to allow Guyger to regain herself.
The prosecution implied Guyger was being dishonest when she said she gave Jean commands before firing his weapon. Neighbors testified earlier in the week that the first noises they heard were gunshots. But Guyger maintained she gave Jean orders.
“I did say let me see your hands, let me see your hands,” Guyger testified.
The defense showed the backpack Guyger was wearing the night of the shooting and asked her why she never used the first aid materials inside that bag.
“It didn’t even cross my mind,” Guyger said.
The former Dallas Police Officer claimed she feared for her life after seeing a man’s silhouette in the back of what she thought was her apartment. She testified that after the shooting she started to realize what she had done.
“I shot an innocent man,” said Guyger. “He didn’t deserve that.”
The prosecution questioned her reaction after the shooting saying she didn’t try to save his life and sent text messages while he was on the floor. Guyger described those moments.
“My mind was racing and I didn’t know where I was at,” said Guyger. “I wanted paramedics. There was so much processing in my mind.”
Following Guyger’s testimony the defense called other witnesses to the stand. Court will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday.
The jury will have the option to convict on a lesser charge of Manslaughter.
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