An attempted murder case came down to two very different accounts of a traffic dispute that ended in gunfire. During closing arguments, prosecutors argued that Donell Trusty Jr., 41, was not in danger when he fired at another driver’s vehicle. The defense maintained that Trusty acted in self-defense because he feared for his life.
According to charging documents, the dispute began when Trusty attempted to drive around another vehicle and struck its side-view mirror. The other driver later followed Trusty to a gas station, where he alleged that Trusty fired into his vehicle. Surveillance footage reportedly corroborated the allegation.
During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that Trusty was not in danger when he fired at the other driver’s vehicle. She emphasized that Trusty fired his gun nine times while the vehicle was driving away and asked jurors to find him guilty on all of the charges.
Defense attorney Martin Cohen argued that Trusty acted in self-defense and that the state had failed to prove otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. Cohen maintained that Trusty was not the aggressor, had tried to get away, and fired his gun because he believed that his life was in danger.
The defense also questioned the police’s investigation and the credibility of witnesses. Cohen played the 911 call and body cam footage from the scene, arguing that Trusty was cooperative and consistent in his statements to the police.
Trusty testified that he had never met the other driver before the incident. He said the two argued after the other driver refused to move his double-parked vehicle. As Trusty drove away, he admitted to pushing in the other driver’s side-view mirrors.
Trusty said that the other driver followed him, pulled out a gun, and threatened to “blow his f***ing head off.” he testified that he continued driving while calling 911 and asking the operator to stay on the line.
During cross-examination, the prosecutor questioned how Trusty had time to park, exit his car, and begin shooting while the other driver was still pulling into the gas station. Trusty mentioned that the other driver had a gun as he entered the parking lot.
