Emotions ran high Monday as Sgt. Gary Morales’ uniform shirt, gun belt, and bulletproof vest are shown to the jury.
“Sgt. Morales was shot in his left arm, his throat, and his head," said Sgt. Grant King with the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office.
Sgt. King was at the hospital when Sgt. Morales was brought in back in February of 2013.
The firearm prosecutors claim was involved in Morales’ killing was also shown to the jury. The defense does not deny Eriese Tisdale shot Morales, but they claim Tisdale feared for his life. Seven shell casings found by Sgt. Morales’ car matched Tisdale’s gun.
The state also called Jessica Maldonado. She is Eriese Tisdale’s girlfriend. Maldonado said she saw the gun in question maybe once or twice before the day of the shooting.
“You have no idea this is the exact gun you saw right?" asked Assistant State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl. "Yes sir", was the reply. "But as it relates is it the same color? Is it the same boxy look? Bakkedahl continued. "Yes sir," was Maldonado's reply.
Maldonado, who is also the mother of Tisdale’s baby, was happy to see him.
After her testimony, she walked past Tisdale. They mouthed “I love you” to each other and then she sent him an air kiss as she left the courtroom.
The state ended the day with the medical examiner on the stand showing autopsy photos of Sgt. Morales.
Prosecutors could wrap their case Tuesday.
