La Plata, MD – In the complex attempted first-degree murder trial of Terrence Vernard Packer, 37 of Waldorf, compelling testimony has been the norm.
In Charles County Circuit Court before Judge Amy J. Bragunier Tuesday, Feb. 2, the jury saw dramatic video taken from Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies cruisers Feb. 24, 2015 after police were called to a domestic assault with a weapon at 3433 Azalea Place in Waldorf.
Packer’s wife, Shauna Harris, testified that he “ran up behind me and attacked me” the night of Feb. 24.
“He wrestled me to the floor,” she said. “He had his arm across my throat. I couldn’t do anything.”
“Is it fair to say you and Mr. Packer had an up and down relationship?” Charles County Assistant Public Defender Elizabeth Connell asked Harris.
“We had a great time, then we had a bad time,” she admitted.
Officer Charles Garner, working the midnight shift, had just finished roll call at Station 3 in Waldorf when they got the call for a domestic situation involving a weapon. He said he arrived at the location within minutes.
When officers arrived they found Packer with a shotgun in his hands standing at the front door.
“He’s got a gun!” one of the officers is heard saying, believed to be Officer Ronald Walls, who can be heard repeatedly in the video asking the defendant to “put the gun on the ground,” as he testified Tuesday.
The voices of officers can be heard telling Packer to drop the weapon and not to raise it, then several shots ring out and Packer is shot multiple times and screaming is heard.
“What did we just hear?” Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney John Stackhouse asked.
“Gunshots,” Garner testified.
“Did you feel threatened?” Stackhouse queried.
“Of course I did,” the officer responded. “There was a man pointing a gun at me.”
Packer is facing 12 separate counts ranging from attempted first-degree murder to reckless endangerment.
Testimony continues Wednesday, Feb. 3.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com