LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A jury trial continues for a man accused of firing at Lima police officers on Oct. 31.
Prosecutors called additional witnesses, including Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agent David Hammond, who detailed the agency’s process for investigating the scene and collecting evidence the night of the shooting.
Jurors were shown several pieces of physical evidence, including firearms, shell casings and clothing belonging to Officer Bryce Metz and 35-year-old Emerson Jeffrey.
Prosecutors called additional witnesses, including Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agent David Hammond.
Prosecutors also presented items recovered from the back seat of the suspect vehicle, where Jeffrey was seated at the time of the incident.
Hammond identified a wallet containing Jeffrey’s identification, a firearm investigators say was used in the shooting, and a green bag that two passengers who testified earlier this week said Jeffrey was carrying that day. Investigators said the bag had phrases written on the strap, including “Hate drives me” and an expletive.
Forensic scientists with BCI testified that DNA found on the weapon was consistent with a sample provided by Jeffrey. They also said a bullet linked to that firearm matched one removed from Metz.
The jury also heard from Lima police Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte, who led the initial investigation. In court, jurors watched his recorded interview with Jeffrey, in which investigators say he admitted he fired at officers because he wanted to end his life.
Jeffrey is charged with four counts of felonious assault, along with several additional gun-related charges. The trial is scheduled to continue Thursday morning.
