Prosecution Wraps Up

Tools

By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Aug 31, 2010 at 6:55 PM MST

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2010 at 6:41 PM MST

COLUMBUS - A pastor testifies in Columbus Tuesday at the trial of a man accused of killing his neighbor. He said the guilt-stricken defendant confessed his crime two weeks after Michael Blattie was found dead in Molt in 2009.

Defendant Jeffrey Hardman seemed composed Monday as several witnesses took the stand. Tuesday he tried to hold back his tears as the pastor recalled details from their hour-long conversation in late October of 2009.

"He was distraught when he came in," said Faith Chapel Pastor Robert Griggs," I could tell something very heavy was on his heart." "The conversation began," Griggs added, "he asked me if i had heard about the shooting in Molt, I confessed I hadn't heard much about it."

The pastor said it was Hardman who spent much of their October 30th meeting confessing. "I always advise people, 'listen, if what you're about to share with me is of an illegal nature, I can't keep that to myself,'" he said.

Griggs said Hardman told him he went to settle a $35 debt with his neighbor on October 15th. "He said he went to confront Mr. Blattie, Mr. Blattie came out of the house, slamming the door on the wall," said Griggs, "his eyes were black, he was furious, and it was a very terrifying moment for Mr. Hardman."

"They were scuffling, he indicated that he reached around, bringing the pistol to bear," Griggs testified, "at that point he said Mr. Blattie's hands were on his hand, they were struggling over the gun, and there were finger nail digs, and the gun went off."

Earlier in the day, a forensic pathologist took the stand. He said Hardman's version of events is a remote possibility, but unlikely given the pattern of gun residue found on Michael Blattie.

Witnesses also said neither the defendant nor the victim showed physical signs of a struggle.

The prosecution wrapped up its case Tuesday. Defense attorneys will start making theirs Wednesday morning.

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