BAKERSFIELD, CA - Big revelations Thursday in the trial of Bryan Oliver who is accused of a shooting at Taft union high school in January 2013. Oliver's attorney, Paul Cadman, says his client is gay and was bullied because of it, causing him to snap. Cadman says Oliver is gay and became sexually aware when he entered high school and was picked on.
Bowe Cleveland, who was shot in the chest, was the first witness called to the stand. He described the shooting and his relationship with Oliver. Cleveland says he didn't know Oliver was gay and never directed any homosexual slurs at Oliver or bullied him.
Cadman argues Oliver was sexually assaulted and called names at school.
The prosecution says Oliver planned the shooting, targeting two students, Cleveland and Jacob Nickels. Both teens were in the classroom during the shooting, but teacher, Ryan Herber intervened.
Throughout the testimony Oliver sat hunched over in his chair, listening to Cleveland.
Cadman says Oliver pulled the trigger, but should not be charged with attempted murder. He says weapons charges would be more appropriate.
The prosecution showed jurors multiple exhibits Thursday including the shotgun Oliver is accused of using in the shooting, surveillance video from the halls of Taft Union High during the shooting and pictures of Cleveland's wounds.
The trial continues Friday. Our cameras are banned from the courtroom, but we will be still be covering the trial from the inside and posting updates to our KGET Facebook page, Twitter and our website KernGoldenEmpire.com.
Bowe Cleveland, who was shot in the chest, was the first witness called to the stand. He described the shooting and his relationship with Oliver. Cleveland says he didn't know Oliver was gay and never directed any homosexual slurs at Oliver or bullied him.
Cadman argues Oliver was sexually assaulted and called names at school.
The prosecution says Oliver planned the shooting, targeting two students, Cleveland and Jacob Nickels. Both teens were in the classroom during the shooting, but teacher, Ryan Herber intervened.
Throughout the testimony Oliver sat hunched over in his chair, listening to Cleveland.
Cadman says Oliver pulled the trigger, but should not be charged with attempted murder. He says weapons charges would be more appropriate.
The prosecution showed jurors multiple exhibits Thursday including the shotgun Oliver is accused of using in the shooting, surveillance video from the halls of Taft Union High during the shooting and pictures of Cleveland's wounds.
The trial continues Friday. Our cameras are banned from the courtroom, but we will be still be covering the trial from the inside and posting updates to our KGET Facebook page, Twitter and our website KernGoldenEmpire.com.