Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Oswego, NY: Motives Emerge in Pulaski Murder Trial

By: Web Staff
Testimony will continue for a second day Wednesday in the murder trial of a Hastings man accused of killing his estranged wife and her boyfriend. Our Candace Hopkins was in court and has new details about a possible motive for the shooting.


OSWEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- It was September 12, 2010 when police say James Steen took the life of his estranged wife, Victoria, and her boyfriend, Charles Carr Jr.

The couple was shot to death inside Victoria's Pulaski apartment while her young son sat just steps away on an outside porch.

Just eight months later, James Steen is on trial, facing two counts of murder. Testimony began Tuesday in Oswego County Court.

DNA experts and the police officers who responded to the scene took the stand, but the most important details to emerge show a possible motive for the attack.

James Steen says he went to his estranged wife's home because he was upset that Victoria had left their daughter in the care of another man, an accused child molester.

During Tuesday's court session, jury members were shown graphic images of the crime scene, including pictures of both the victims after they had been shot to death.

Now Steen's defense team is readying to present their case Wednesday.

Annaleigh Porter is part of his defense team and says Steen will take the stand Wednesday.

"Today was definitely an emotional day in the courtroom, with video recordings and photographs, but the crust of the defense will come down to the defendant's testimony," Porter said.

District Attorney Donald Dodd disagrees with Steen's child molester claim and says he believes Steen killed Victoria and Charles out of jealousy and anger

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