Closing arguments began Saturday morning in the manslaughter trial for an ex-Little Rock police officer in the fatal shooting of a teenage suspect last year.
The jury in the trial of Josh Hastings convened in Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen’s courtroom to hear closing arguments, which began around 10 a.m. and are expected to last a couple of hours.
Hastings, 27, of Benton, was fired from the force and charged after the Aug. 12, 2012 shooting that killed 15-year-old Bobby Moore III.
Hastings testified during the trial that the car Moore was driving was coming directly at him and he feared he was about to be run over when he fired three times. Two bullets struck Moore, including one that hit the side of his head and killed him instantly.
Prosecutors said the evidence contradicted that story. Chief deputy prosecutor John Johnson termed Hastings' actions "straight-up reckless behavior."