Fullhart trial starts

CRESCO - The murder trial of Brian Allen Fullhart began on Wednesday, July 17, with jury selection starting at 9 a.m. Fullhart  was charged with murder in the first and going armed with intent in the death of his wife Zoanne Fullhart on March 1, 2018.
There were at least 80 potential jurors called for the trial taking place at Howard County Courthouse. Four officers used a wand on each juror to check for weapons. Purses were also searched.
Fullhart was at the courthouse but not in the courtroom for jury selection. He had been escorted across the parking lot from the jail to the courthouse by two sheriff’s deputies, as well as Sheriff Mike Miner. In addition, Cresco police officers stood guard around the building as Fullhart was escorted to the top floor.
He was dressed in black street clothes, with handcuffs and shackles. Miner stated the transfer went smooth in the morning.
Jurors were being asked questions individually, which made selection longer than normal.
Background
Court documents say between the hours of 3 and 5 a.m. on March 1, at 700 S. Elm St., Cresco, Fullhart “did go armed with any dangerous weapon with the intent and did use that weapon without justification such weapon against the person of another and displayed such weapon while firing upon law enforcement.”
Cresco Police, Howard County Sheriff’s Department and area TAC team officers responded to a standoff situation with Fullhart. Negotiations were started.
During that situation, on two separate occasions, the defendant fired upon law enforcement with a compound bow. At least one of those times, he struck a police squad car. 
Around 6 a.m. the suspect was taken into custody without incident. A deceased female was found inside the residence.
Courthouse was busy
The Sheriff mentioned besides a full courtroom on the top floor of the courthouse, a trial in front of a judge was held in the Board of Supervisors and a wedding was to take place in the magistrate’s office.
Tentative Schedule
As of July 17, it is expected opening remarks to take place on Thursday, July 18, with the prosecution bringing in witnesses Thursday and Friday. If needed, Monday may also be used for the prosecution.
There will be no court on Tuesday, July 23, and the defense will have witnesses speak on Wednesday. It is possible closing remarks will be on Wednesday or Thursday, with jury deliberation taking place Thursday and Friday.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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