Chapter 23 - Barnes Takes the Stand
His lawyers did not want.
He insisted.
Arrogance can be defense strategy’s enemy.
Barnes said Tyler’s phone looked like weapon in low light.
Problem:
He had ordered phone dropped and later acknowledged phone.
He said Tyler moved hand.
Hardware video unclear.
He said second shot occurred because Tyler continued reaching.
Trajectory and video showed Barnes advanced after Tyler fell.
He denied retaliation comments.
Recorded phone call.
“Let this die.”
“You already saw what happens when your family gets curious.”
He said he meant media attention.
Jury heard.
Prosecutor asked:
“Why did you query Tyler’s school three weeks before shooting?”
“Safety.”
“What safety issue?”
“His father was suspicious courthouse employee.”
“Was Dennis under investigation?”
“No.”
“Any criminal history?”
“No.”
“Any threat?”
“No.”
“Then why search his seventeen year old son?”
Barnes had no good answer.
“Context.”
“What context?”
“Public safety.”
“What threat did Tyler pose before he recorded you?”
None.
Barnes became angry.
That hurt him.
Then prosecutor:
“Did you say ‘message travels faster through blood’?”
“No.”
Bell said yes.
“Did you tell Howard Pike remove Dennis’s report?”
“No.”
Howard said yes.
“Did you possess Dennis’s locker box?”
“It was provided.”
“Why family photograph on top?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you tell Rowe make scene match?”
“I meant accurately document.”
Text spoke.
“Did you plant knife?”
“No.
“Did you know Rowe would?”
“No.
“Did you tell Tyler this was for report?”
“No.
“Did you call Dennis offering county medical payment if Tyler said he reached?”
Barnes paused.
Recorded.
May you like
“Yes, but settlement attempt.”
At that point, even his attorney looked tired.
