LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A war of words broke out in a Louisville courtroom Thursday as opening statements started in the murder of a transgender victim.
From the moment jurors sat down, they watched and listened to a deadly shooting scene that seemingly was brought back to life. The prosecution right away singled out the suspect, Henry Gleaves, and grabbed the entire courtroom's attention.
Gleaves is accused of killing Sherman Edwards who was found shot in the parking lot at the Fern Valley Hotel and Conference Center back in January of 2015.
The defense took time to really focus on what they call Edwards' role in an alleged traveling prostitution ring. The defense added to their argument that Edwards and a group of three others were planning to rob Gleaves inside a hotel room.
"Specifically asked for a room if they could get it overlooking the parking lot, so when somebody answered the ad, they would get a good look at that person as they walked into the hotel and could size them up," said defense attorney Rob Eggert.
Edwards was born a man but was living as a transgender person at the time of the shooting. The prosecution says they will refer to Edwards using feminine pronouns and feminine descriptions.
The victim's family was visibly shaken leaving the courtroom, and they did not want to speak to the media. Testimony resumes at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
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