Hearings begin in Deshazer murder trial
Two people accused in Lawrence's first homicide in more than a year appear in court today for a preliminary hearing. Enlarge video
During a preliminary hearing Monday, prosecutors presented an eyewitness who said he saw one defendant striking a 62-year-old man before he died.
Prosecutors accuse Jerod Buffalohead, 36, and Shanna Friday, 37, of beating Jerry Deshazer to death in his mobile home Feb. 2 at Brookwood Mobile Home Park, 1908 E. 19th St.
Jarvis Jones, 31, who was inside the house, claimed he woke up from a drunken sleep and saw Buffalohead punching Deshazer, who sat in a recliner.
A Lawrence police detective also testified that Buffalohead changed his story several times until he admitted to trying to separate Deshazer and Friday during an alcohol-fueled financial dispute. Buffalohead told police he back-handed and punched Deshazer three times and that Friday struck him with a glass bottle.
"He mentioned that what he did was in self-defense and in defense of (Friday)," Detective Jack Cross said.
Buffalohead said Deshazer declined an ambulance and was alive when he left the house.
Detective Lance Flachsbarth testified that Friday told him when he was driving her to Lawrence for an interview that she was having "nightmares about what had taken place." She also said she struck Deshazer three times with her hand, Flachsbarth said.
Neighbors and relatives have said Deshazer often took people into his home. Friday had been living there at the time of his death.
Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild will decide whether the accused should face a trial on intentional second-degree murder charges. The medical examiner is scheduled to testify this morning.
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Informed (anonymous) says…
Unbelievable, and yet, sadly, all too believable.
/shakes head
ltownwhitegirl (anonymous) says…
"hawkperchedatriverfront" i do agree with you! i actuall knew the defendents and knew the man now dead, very very well! i think its kinda funny that they say he was alive when there left but, said that he refused treatment. yes, that sounds like jerry but if you are calling people asking what you should do because he was hurt so bad then dont you think they should of called 911?? that sounds like the smart thinhg to do, huh? well not these 2 dumb a**es!
fry them!!!!
Luxor (anonymous) says…
Sterilze these dirtbags before they can breed.
pagan_idolator (anonymous) says…
Too late - Shana has about 7 or 8 kids - none of which she has custody of thank God!
redjayj (anonymous) says…
I went to south with jared. I also went to school with the victims neice. Hopefully there will be a just resolution to this sad case.