The trial for the murder of a Benton Harbor store owner is now underway. Roy Thompson of Benton Harbor is accused of killing David Krieger outside of Krieger’s family business, Michiana Supply, in December of last year.
The jury selection process lasted all day Tuesday, with witness testimony beginning Wednesday. The prosecution says that Krieger confronted Thompson about the latter allegedly kicking a dog in the area, when Thompson fatally shot Krieger in the chest. Thompson and Krieger’s brother, Stephen, then exchanged shots before Thompson fled the scene.
“He’s a felon, someone convicted of a specified felony, he should never have even had that gun in his pocket,” said Assistant Prosecutor Amy Byrd in her opening statement.”
The defense claims that Krieger and several other men at the store were shouting racial slurs at Thompson, before Krieger confronted him and pushed him, and that Thompson acted in self defense.
The trial is scheduled to last through the week. Thompson faces life in prison if convicted.
