1/17/14 - More testimony for the prosecution was heard in the case of Raulie Wayne Casteel yesterday after a bit of a delayed start. Despite being scheduled to start at 12:00 noon, the trial was delayed until about 1:00 due to slippery conditions on the roads. The charges against 44-year-old Casteel include terrorism, assault with intent to murder, and weapons charges for allegedly shooting at almost two dozen cars along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012. Despite their decision not to take an insanity defense, lawyers representing Casteel have touted his mental issues and troubled thoughts as causes for his actions. Yesterday's testimony was similar to that heard on Wednesday, featuring law enforcement officials and alleged victims of the shootings recounting their experiences for the court. Unique among them was Loriann Arthur, who actually saw Casteel during an incident in which she says her vehicle was fired upon. She says she saw Casteel smiling or laughing as he traveled in the other direction on M-52 at the same time she heard a loud bang. She told the court she felt blessed to be alive, since she does not believe it is possible to reliably aim at the speeds they were traveling. In addition to alleged victims, yesterday's testimony included representatives from the FBI, Michigan State Police, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and Wixom Police Department who worked on the case and took part in the task force to find the shooter. The trial will not continue on Friday so Judge David Reader can see to his other duties, and Monday is a court holiday, so testimony will resume Tuesday morning. (TD)
↧