GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 4, 2014)– After more than a year, the trial for the man accused of killing David and Vivian Bouwman is underway.
During the first day of testimony Tuesday, Javonte Higgins’ demeanor was completely different from how he behaved during past court appearances.
The day began Tuesday with each side presenting opening statements, followed by several witnesses taking the stand to testify.
One of those witnesses, the Bouwmans’ daughter Karen Kelly, testified about items missing from her parents’ home.
The jury also heard from crime scene investigators who say the Bouwmans were each shot twice.
Workers at a gas station also took the stand, saying they saw a man come in with a limp in the hours after the shooting who had an orange bucket with him.
That was the orange bucket officers say was found near the scene where the Bouwmans’ car was burned.
However, defense attorney Val Foster made it clear in her opening statements that the prosecution has no witnesses of Higgins being at the Bouwmans’ home or the gun used in the murder.
Beck said despite the circumstantial evidence they know Higgins is guilty and the crime scene says it all, along with the couple’s missing car.
Testimony will pick back up Wednesday; the trial is expected to last into next week.
