SEATTLE — A detective took the stand Monday at accused cop killer Christopher Monfort's murder trial. Detective Gary Nelson told the jury how Monfort pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger.
Nelson and two other detectives were following up on a tip about 1980 Datsun 210 spotted at a Tukwila apartment complex onNov.6, 2009. It was during the funeral of murdered Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton that they went tohave the vehicle towed.
Click here for a timeline of the Monfort case.
The detectives were told by other investigators the owner of the vehicle was not around and the SWAT team would come later to search the apartment. But as the detectives pulled into the parking lot, a man matching the owner's description walked by.
"I said 'There, he is right there,'" Nelson testified.
According to Nelson, another detective held up his badge and told Monfort to stop. Nelson said, "Monfort said, 'F--- that' and ran."
Nelson chased him. He was on his cellphone as he ran and he didn't have his weapon drawn.
At the top of the apartment stairwell he said Monfort tried to kill him.
"Monfort rolled out. He had the gun completely raised, shoulder height, head down like that. He rolled around the corner with the gun pointed straight and came directly at me with the gun like this," described Nelson, holding his arm out straight. "He pulled the trigger and I heard dry fire."
When asked what went through his mind, Nelson replied, "That I was going to die."
There wasn't a bullet in the chamber, but Nelson knew that could quickly change. He retreated grabbing his gun.
He said Monfort was on the upper balcony at the apartment complex aiming right at him.
"There's a guy on the upper level up there that tried to kill me, and he still has a gun in his hand," described Nelson. "This time, he came right down the railing, fixed his gun on me."
"He was going to shoot me if I didn't shoot him first. I fired immediately, fired twice," said Nelson.
Monfort is charged with one count of attempted murder for trying to kill Nelson. He faces aggravated first degree murder charges for killingBrenton on Oct. 31, 2009. Monfort also faces two other attempted murder charges and arson. Monfort pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. If he's convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.
KIRO
