Testimony in the trial of a teen accused of killing a gay middle school classmate resumed Monday with a teacher who was in the classroom at the time of the shooting.
Attorneys for Brandon McInerney cross-examined an E.O. Green Middle School teacher Dawn Boldrin.
Boldrin testified about the February 2008 slaying of 15-year-old Lawrence King and her conversations with King. She said she thought McInerney had set off a firecracker when she heard the gunshots in the classroom.
She said it was after she brought her students to another classroom when she realized King was not among them.
Boldrin no longer works at the school.
McInerney is charged as an adult with murder and a hate crime. He could face life in prison if convicted.
During the first week of testimony in the trial, a friend of McInerney's told jurors that McInerney was angry after King called him "baby" in the school hallway. The student, identified as "Keith" in court, said the rumor around school was that King said, "I love you, baby."
McInerney's attorneys claim the teen snapped after King repeatedly propositioned him. They're arguing that he should face voluntary manslaughter instead of murder.
