EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Former Las Cruces Police officer Brad Lunsford, who is accused of shooting and killing a man in 2022, faced a judge and jury on Wednesday, Feb. 5, for day two of his trial.
Lunsford is accused of shooting and killing Presley Eze at a gas station in August of 2022. He is facing a charge of voluntary manslaughter with a firearm enhancement.
On Wednesday, the state brought in its first expert witnesses in the case including retired police chief for the Rockford Illinois Police Department, Chet Epperson.
Epperson is now a police practice consultant who testified that Lunsford did not follow the Las Cruces Police use of force policy.
“He could’ve tried to stunt him. He could’ve struck him with his baton, his flashlight, his open hands could’ve slapped him could’ve kicked him could’ve done all sorts of things,” Epperson said.
Epperson further testified that Lunsford and the other officer who was present at the time of the shooting should have had a plan in place before forcefully getting Eze out of the car to detain him.
“Going hands-on with someone it can be effective but most of the time it’s not, especially with the size of Mr. Eze, who appears to be strong. he’s got some weightlifting, etc.,” Epperson said.
The defense will also bring witnesses in the coming days. The officer who got in the physical altercation with Eze is also expected to testify.
This trial is expected to continue through next week with Lunsford expected to take the stand at some point over the next few days.
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