JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man on trial in the 2005 shooting death of his ex-girlfriend testified Wednesday that he was a victim of two unknown gunman, not the killer.
Tarvares Watson, 23, is accused of killing 18-year-old Jennifer Gantt and injuring her boyfriend in her Regency apartment.
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Police initially said two people kicked in the door of the Spicewood Springs Apartment about 5:30 a.m. on July 14, 2005 and began shooting. Gantt was killed and her friend, Jerome Hughes, was injured.
Detectives said Watson was shot in the incident and gave workers a false name later that day when he sought treatment in Brunswick, Ga. Watson's treatment at the hospital gave police the evidence they needed to obtain an arrest warrant for him a few months later.
Watson was captured during a routine traffic stop Colorado nearly one year later. He is accused of first-degree murder, attempted murder and armed burglary.
On the stand, Watson said he when to Gantt's apartment to buy drugs from Hughes when the gunmen showed up to rob Hughes.
Watson was the only witness for the defense and closing arguments were scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Previous Stories:
- January 8, 2008: Man On Trial In 2005 Slaying Of Ex-Girlfriend
- November 9, 2006: Police Catch Man Wanted In Teen's 2005 Slaying
- November 29, 2005: Police Name Suspect In July Slaying
- July 14, 2005: Police Catch Man Wanted In Teen's 2005 Slaying