MINNEAPOLIS — Opening statements have started in the murder trial for a Chicago man accused of killing a local youth baseball coach.
On July 6, 2021, Jamal Smith allegedly shot Jay Boughton after the drivers had an altercation on Highway 169 in Plymouth.
The opening statement from prosecutors described Smith as ticked off Boughton honked at his driving. The defense maintained there was no way he could drive and shoot, and implied it was someone else in the car who opened fire.
Following the opening statements, the prosecution called its first witness — the victim’s wife of 17 years, Kristin Boughton, who tearfully recalled her experience the night her husband was killed.
“This has been the most painful experience of our lives … not only did I lose the love of my life and my kids lost their father … we lost a whole year. I don’t even know what happened this year,” she said.
She said that this Monday would’ve marked his 58th birthday.
The victim’s 16-year-old son, Harrison Boughton, was also called to the stand. He was in vehicle at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors plan to seek a stiffer sentence, in part because the boy witnessed it. The shooting happened as Jay Boughton drove his son home from a baseball game.
Harrison Boughton said the other car was “driving fast, getting close enough to make us swerve out of the way.” He said his dad honked, and flipped off the driver of that vehicle. Moments later he heard noise, glass breaking, and saw a circle in the window. Their vehicle crashed and he called 911.
Prosecutors also presented audio of Harrison Boughton’s frantic 911 call.
The defense asked the judge to dismiss so-called “spark of life” testimony, a Minnesota law allowing for some emotional testimony about the victim’s character. The defense argued feelings are irrelevant to evidence and do not “help provide whether something is more true.” The judge said she will consider the motion but asked for specific language at issue from defense attorneys.
Source: CBS Minnesota