Opening arguments began this afternoon with two very different versions of why Rolando Celdon was beaten and shot with less lethal force back in 2005.
Chris Coleman and Paul Van Dalen are accused of excessive force.
Michael Manfredi and Sean Plymale are accused of falsifying reports and lying about using force that night.
Prosecutors began by describing the incident, and how Celdon did not resist arrest but was beat up anyway.
Prosecution maintains that the officers then lied about using force.
Defense attorney Paul Goyette told jurors they need to understand the nature of the situation before they level a verdict at the end of trial.
"All the details have to come into play. The fact he wasn't searched. The nature of the call. The fact he ran from the dog."
The trial is proceeding without the key witness for both sides, Rolando Celdon. He's believed to be in Mexico but certain statements he's made will be enough.
Opening statements for the defense will continue in the morning with the first witness called shortly after.
The trial resumes Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the federal courthouse in downtown Fresno.
TXT 24
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