Listen here:
Pejman Elahi – the Wonder Valley man on trial for 9 different counts, including attempted murder and assault with a firearm – began his trial Thursday afternoon after a morning of finishing up jury selection.
Opening statements began with prosecuting attorney Heather Razook – where she broke the multiple charges down into two separate instances that occurred – the first one on September 25th where the victim – a delivery driver – said Elahi chased him down a dirt road, cornering him and firing a gun which resulted in the assault with a firearm charge. The victim identified Elahi as the suspected shooter using the tattoos on his head as well as his moustache – a feature that Elahi has regrown for this court appearance, but wasn’t present on earlier pre-trial dates.
The second incident occurred on November 9th – where a victim was shot 3 times in a dirt field in Wonder Valley. Razook says that victim survived by “playing dead” until the shooter left, and then crawling back to his quad and seeking help from neighbors. The victim survived and identified Elahi as the shooter, and the subsequent search of Elahi’s nearby home produced weapons that resulted in the additional counts of gun and ammunition possession – items that Elahi admits to owning.
Razook said both incidents happened in close proximity to the defendant’s residence in Wonder Valley, and that the evidence and witnesses will show that Elahi was indeed the shooter in both of these incidents.
Defense Attorney John-Paul Serrao responded in his opening statements saying that although Pejman Elahi admits to some of the facts in the case – Serrao says that the victim’s stories has holes, there are no witnesses to the actual shooting, and in the 2nd incident – a swab for Gun Shot Residue on Elahi’s hands came back negative.
During the opening statements and earlier Jury selection – Pejman Elahi appeared engaged with the proceedings, frequently facing the jury and conferring with his attorney, John-Paul Serrao.
After opening statement, prosecution called their first witnesses – two responding law enforcement officers who verified the location of the incidents. The defense declined to cross-examine the officers, who can be recalled later in the trial for further testimony.
As the first day wrapped, Elahi stood with his attorney and watched the jury file out of the courtroom – a group of 12 peers that after the evidence is presented – will decide on the facts of the case and ultimately – Pejman Elahi’s guilt or innocence.
Previously reported:
