Officers, ex-girlfriend take stand in retrial of accused murderer Andrew Leon

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Wednesday day astatine the Fresno County Courthouse, a retrial began successful a Huron execution lawsuit that ended successful a hung assemblage earlier this summer.

21-year-old Andrew Leon is accused of shooting and sidesplitting April Diaz, his then-girlfriend's mother, successful November of 2023.

In beforehand of a caller jury, the authoritative and defence lawyer shared elaborate opening statements, coating a representation astir the case.

"You volition larn successful the people of this proceedings that Mr. Leon changeable April Diaz 11 times," said Prosecutor Kendall Reynolds.

The authoritative told the assemblage that Leon was trying to speech with Diaz's daughter, Neveah, but wasn't fto into the location earlier shots were fired.

"It's astir what the forensic grounds shows and what the grounds that was located shows successful this lawsuit and it shows that Mr. Leon committed archetypal grade execution successful this case," said Reynolds.

The defence attorney, saying Diaz was angry, pushing Leon into the street.

He says Leon acted successful self-defense.

"She swings once, grabs his limb and swings again. Now, Andrew astatine this constituent looks down and helium doesn't recognize what conscionable deed him. He looks down and alternatively of April's fist, helium sees the acold alloy of a knife. And shock, panic and anxiousness flood his caput arsenic helium realizes what is happening," said Defense Attorney Brendan Bergh.

Neveah testified, recalling her narration with Leon and the deadly night, earlier asking the justice for a break.

The 2 officers who responded to the gunfire besides testified, describing the country and their actions.

Day 2 of proceedings continues Thursday morning, much witnesses volition attest including Neveah who volition decorativeness her testimony.

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