Prosecution, defense rest in fatal Hwy 169 shooting trial, Smith testifies
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The trial of a man charged with fatally shooting a baseball coach on Highway 169 in Plymouth last summer resumed Monday and testimony wrapped up.
After jurors heard more testimony in the trial of Jamal Smith in the morning, prosecutors rested their case shortly after 11:30 a.m.
Smith is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 56-year-old Jay Boughton.
After the prosecution rested, the defense moved to have Smith acquitted, saying the state didn’t present evidence showing he fired the fatal shot. However, Judge Nicole Engisch denied the motion.
In the afternoon, Smith took the stand and testified as part of his own defense.
The main courtroom and an overflow courtroom were both packed with friends and family of Boughton on Monday as they listened to Smith on the stand.
Smith told jurors he was the driver of the SUV at the center of the case but not the person who pulled the trigger. He added that music was turned up loud as he drove and he didn’t hear Boughton honk at him but did hear a “loud boom.” Upon further questioning, he testified that he didn’t know whether the boom was thunder or a gunshot.
The prosecution’s last witness was a deputy who said he and Smith had a brief conversation at the jail in which Smith referred to himself as “a nationwide murderer.”
(Courtroom sketch by Cedric Hohnstadt)
After the prosecution rested its case, Stephen Robinson, Boughton’s brother-in-law, discussed the case, applauding the prosecutors and describing what the family is going through.
“They did a phenomenal job presenting the evidence and facts, they are very good at what they do. The family has been in great hands, we continue to trust the process and trust that we get to the truth,” Robinson said.
As for family and friends, “They are staying strong and courageous — again searching for the truth — we think it will come out as the jury eventually gets the case and can deliberate,” Robinson said.
He added, “It’s been very difficult; they had to do it without Jay (Boughton). … Lots of tears … it’s hard but the family is staying strong.”
Jurors were sent home for the day at around 3 p.m., and opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday morning.
According to KSTP Reporter Eric Chaloux, Engisch wants jurors to start deliberating before lunch Tuesday.
Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and KSTP.com for updates.