Wednesday was day one for the trial of former Henderson County Sheriff Ricky Lunsford, 52, Lunsford faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, employing a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault
Around 12:20 a.m. on April 29, Jackson police received a call that Lunsford had forced his estranged wife, Mary Lunsford, at gunpoint, from Tap Bar and Grill at Old Hickory Blvd. Shortly afterward, police received calls that shots had been fired on the parking lot. Officers arrived on the scene and took Ricky Lunsford into custody. He was armed with two handguns at the time of his arrest.
At Wednesday's trial the state presented seven witnesses to show what it says transpired.
According to investigators, Ricky and Mary Lunsford were both inside the bar but had not come together. Investigators say Ricky Lunsford approached Mary Lunsford, placed a gun to her body and forced her outside.
The defense contends that it was Lunsford who was threatened and it was his actions that prevented any injuries. Attorney Mark Donahoe, who represents Lunsford, said that his client is an expert marksman, former sheriff, and former independent security contractor with extensive training. Donahoe says it was that training and experience that kept the event from become lethal. Lunsford says he took the actions he did to protect himself in a dangerous situation.
Here are comments from Donahoe
| Mark Donahoe, Atty |
The state argues that according to evidence, including witnesses, once Ricky Lunsford got Mary Lunsford to the parking lot she was eventually able to break free and run. Lunsford then fired multiple shots at her. She ducked between vehicles and was able to avoid being hit. Four witnesses were on the parking lot and were in the direction of the gunshots. Several cars were struck by gunfire.
The trial will continue on Thursday. The state will continue to present it case which is expected to wrap up by noon.
