SAN ANTONIO – Lars Itzo told San Antonio police that he shot his wife to death because he feared that she was an intruder breaking into their home on the night of Oct. 10, 2015.
As Itzo’s trial on murder charges began Tuesday, a police officer testified that Itzo said that he heard a noise and a dog growling and saw a light that appeared to be shining into his home from the outside.
He said he leaped from his bed, grabbed a shotgun, confronted the person he suspected was an intruder and fired one shot. He claimed that it was dark and he did not see that the person whom he shot was his wife, Debora Kelly.
“He indicated that he thought the victim was in bed with him, and at the end of that statement and when he heard her moans he realized that he had shot her,” SAPD officer Nathan Sandoval testified.
Sandoval said Itzo told him that he called 911 and began to give his wife first aid.
“He was distraught is the most simple definition I can give,” Sandoval testified.
Itzo’s demeanor changed later when he was questioned at police headquarters, according to detectives.
“He made noises as if he was trying to cry,” Detective Tom Mc Nelly said. “And as I sat across from him, it didn’t seem very genuine.”
During police officer’s testimony, Itzo appeared to cry openly as they detailed the events of that night.
If he is convicted, Itzo is facing a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Testimony is expected to continue Wednesday in Judge Steve Hilbig’s 187th District Court.