Witnesses testify in Fermin Arzu case

Witnesses testify in Fermin Arzu case

Two eye witnesses testified Wednesday in the trial of former traffic Officer Rafael Lora, who prosecutors believe shot and intended to hurt a Honduran immigrant in 2007.
Prosecutors say Lora shot and killed Fermin Arzu after the man drunkenly drove his car into a parked car near Lora?s Longwood home in May 2007.
Demaris Marrera testified Wednesday that she rushed outside the Loras? home when she heard a car crash. According to Marrera, Lora followed her a minute later with his gun in hand. Marrera says Lora approached the driver, Fermin Arzu, opened the car door and spoke with him before the car took off, dragging him a short distance. Marrera believes Lora then fired his gun and killed Arzu.
Lora pleaded not guilty in December 2007 to one count of first-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors said the off-duty officer shot Arzu five times in the heart after the drunken man crashed his car outside Lora?s home.
Ernest Covantes also testified as a witness Wednesday. According to Covantes, Lora was standing outside the car door at the time of the shooting.
Testimony from an EMT and a member of the Crime Scene Unit will be given later this week. Police say Lora faces up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.