SAN ANTONIO – Three of Richard Amezquita’s former girlfriends testified during the punishment phase of his trial.
They characterized Richard Amezquita, 35, as a jealous, violent man with a quick temper.
On Monday, a jury found Amezquita guilty of murder in the death of Kerry O’Toole.
Amezquita was selling home security systems door to door when and went to O’Toole’s door. A door clearly marked with signs discouraging salesmen and solicitors.
The men argued, Amezquita told police, and he shot O’Toole in self-defense after he was attacked.
On Tuesday prosecutors called three of Amezquita’s former girlfriends to testify. Each had a child that they had with him.
“My life is in danger if he is not put away,” Elin Bonilla testified.
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She told of several violent encounters during their two-year relationship.
One as they left a nightclub.
“He jacked a gun in my ear and put me against the windshield,” she said. “He told me that he had one more bullet and it had my name on it. I swear it’s by the mercy of God that I did not die that night.”
Earlier, Air Force Major Tiffany Williams testified that Amezquita was given what is called an “other than honorable” discharge after he was accused of assault and battery.
The punishment phase of the trial continues on Wednesday. He is facing a maximum punishment of life in prison.
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