1/22/14 - Prosecutors emphasized the impact of the shootings on I-96 during the trial of Raulie Wayne Casteel today. 44-year-old Casteel is charged with several counts, including terrorism, related to shootings along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012. The prosecution claimed in its opening statements that the charge of terrorism is justified because of how the shootings caused citizens and government agencies to change their usual behaviors. Witnesses called today included members of the community, such as a youth pastor from Walled Lake and a cross country coach from the University of Michigan, who discussed how they relocated events and told people to change their driving routes in reaction to the shootings. Also called to testify were law enforcement agents from Livingston, Oakland, and Ingham Counties, who discussed how normal policing duties were set aside so time, effort, and personnel could be reassigned to the I-96 shooter case. The defense said in its opening statement that the charge of terrorism requires the intent to terrorize, and claims Casteel had no such intentions. The half-day wrapped up with testimony from a firearm and tool markings expert from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office forensics lab. That testimony will resume when the trial picks up tomorrow afternoon. (TD)
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