Opening statements were held Wednesday in the trial of the teen who is accused of shooting Santa Fe High School student JB White. Almost two years ago, Estevan Montoya, who is currently 18 years old, allegedly shot and killed 18-year-old basketball standout White while at a Santa Fe house party, KOB4 reports.
Now, opening statements and witness testimonies are being delivered, and Montoya is dealing with four charges which include first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
"I want you to pay attention to the evidence," Defense Attorney Dan Marlowe said. "Pay attention to our evidence. And when we come to the very end, it's not quite as vicious as the state would like you to think it is."
Both sides of the case concur that the incident occurred after a teen party, which involved underaged drinking and risky behavior, grew out of control. One difference in interpretation is that the prosecution is asserting that Montoya displayed viciousness by killing without provocation. Conversely, the defense attorneys maintain that Montoya was fleeing from White, who was chasing him, and shot behind his back in fear for his life but without intending to kill White.
The defense is claiming that Montoya is not guilty of first-degree murder because he shot out of fear for his life.
