Thuesen Capital Murder Trial Begins Monday

It’s been 14 months since a brother and sister were shot in the College Station home they shared. Monday begins testimony in the capital murder trial of 26 year old John Thuesen, accused in the March 2009 deaths of Travis and Rachel Joiner.

A final pre-trial hearing was held Friday before District Judge Travis Bryan. Thuesen’s lawyers asked the Brazos County District Attorney’s office to narrow the number of their witnesses expected to testify. Over 200 names are listed. Prosecutors said that wasn’t possible because they can’t predict how the trial will unfold.

And the defense made a formal motion to include comments during opening statements on Monday regarding their client’s past mental health issues. Prosecutors objected. Judge Bryan said he would issue a ruling on Monday.

The selection of 12 jurors and two alternates took a little over three weeks. Judge Bryan said two weeks have been set aside for the trial.

If convicted, Thuesen faces the death penalty. The victims, from Eldorado, were students at A&M.


More News