1/24/14 - The trial of Raulie Casteel, the alleged I-96 shooter, has come to an end for the week. 44-year-old Casteel is accused of shooting at dozens of vehicles along the I-96 corridor in October of 2012. For this he faces several charges in Livingston County, including terrorism. The prosecution has stated that this charge is warranted because of the impact the acts had on the community and local law enforcement. The witnesses called on Wednesday and Thursday reflected that assertion, and many talked about the changes in personal lives and law enforcement activity generated by the shootings. Yesterday's witnesses included a Michigan State Police sergeant who discussed the efforts of his department to capture the shooter, which he said added up to nearly 4,000 man-hours. Also on the stand was Wixom Police Detective Sergeant Ron Moore, who commanded the task force that identified and arrested Casteel. He told the jury about the entire investigation process and the efforts that were made to protect the community. The final alleged victim to testify in the trial, an antiques dealer from Indiana, was also called by the prosecution to recount the attack on his vehicle. With no further witnesses expected on behalf of the prosecution, the defense will likely begin making its case when the trial resumes on Monday morning. Casteel himself is expected to be the only witness for the defense. (TD)
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