Witnesses in James Morrison's murder trial describe chaotic scene

Prosecutors: Morrison's girlfriend's sister, mother shot to death

SAN ANTONIO – Residents of a Northeast San Antonio apartment complex told how a series of gunshots broke the silence on the night of April 18, 2009.

"We heard a series of what sounded like gunshots," Laura Hritz told the jury as she testified in the capital murder trial of James Morrison (pictured).

She said she lived near the apartment of Morrison's girlfriend's mother and sister.

Those shots, prosecutors say, were fired by Morrison.

His lawyer claims that Morrison fired in self-defense after his girlfriend, Candice Moten, 25, her sister, Krystle Moten, 23, and the women's mother, Laura Moten, 46, were attacking him.

Paramedic Daniel Trevino was among the first responders on the scene.

"There was a lot of chaos," he told the jury.

He said Laura Moten and her daughter, Krystle, were mortally wounded. He began treating Candice Moten.

Prosecutor Jan Ischy asked if Moten said who shot her.

"At that point, no," Trevino said. "But a little bit later she did."

Prosecutors say Moten identified Morrison as the person who shot them.

If the jury finds him guilty of capital murder Morrison could be facing the death penalty.

Testimony will continue on Friday in Judge Ron Rangel's 379th District Court.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.