Gary Dunn
Nona Dirksmeyer
In another room, officials talked to the jurors, subsequently releasing one juror and calling in an alternate. They did not say why specifically the juror was released. Circuit Judge William Pearson just said, "It was for a very good reason."
The trial of Dunn, the man accused of murdering Arkansas Tech student Dirksmeyer, is entering day two of witness testimonies with the state calling its witnesses.
The former Russellville police chief says a bloody palmprint found on the lamp used in the murder of an Arkansas beauty queen was left by her boyfriend.
Although Dunn is on trial, much of Friday morning's testimony focused on Kevin Jones, who was acquitted in the death of Dirksmeyer. Jones is expected to testify sometime next week.
Former Police Chief James Bacon testified for the defense, he jumped ahead of prosecution witnesses because of a scheduling conflict.
Bacon told jurors that Jones repeatedly denied touching the lamp's light bulb, where the palmprint was found. Investigators believe the floor lamp with a heavy base was used to beat Dirksmeyer.
The 19-year-old Dirksmeyer was beaten and stabbed to death in 2005. Dunn was arrested in 2008 after investigators said DNA evidence linked him to the crime.
Also testifying Friday were emergency workers who responded to the scene.
Members of Dunn's family are in the courtroom today for the first time.
Witness testimonies are slated to resume on Monday. Jones is on the list of mor than two dozen witnesses.
Monday started the trial with opening statements. Prosecutor Jack McQuary acknowledged in opening statements Thursday that Russellville police made mistakes when they investigated Dirksmeyer's 2005 death and zeroed in on her boyfriend, Kevin Jones. Jones was acquitted in 2007. Jones is expected to testify.
Once the defense team started its case Monday, it was almost as if Jones was back on trial. Lawyer Bill James argued he intentionally tried to throw off police, calling him Mr. CSI.