An emotional trial began in Fresno Monday. Lost lives, race, and lack of courtroom etiquette had tempers flaring.
Teenagers Jerry and Jarrad Beard are on trial for the murder of Justin Hesketh and Brandon Moore. They were killed last December.
The defendants are black and the victims were white. Everyone involved was in their teens.
Defense attorneys say the Beard brothers were targeted because they're black. Prosecutors say it was nothing more than a cold, calculated murder.
Families for both the defendants and victims packed the courtroom. People from both sides had to occasionally leave because they were getting too upset.
During opening statements Monday a juror had to be excused from the case. Judge Whitehead said someone in the courtroom spoke with a juror during a break. She promised that if it happens again, charges will be filed.
TXT 24
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