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Fred Kauffeld Case Goes To Johnson County Jury

CLARKSVILLE (KFSM) — Fred Kauffeld’s case was given to the jury Thursday (May 26) after about a day and a half of witness testimony. Kauffeld is acc...

CLARKSVILLE (KFSM) -- Fred Kauffeld's case was given to the jury Thursday (May 26) after about a day and a half of witness testimony.

Kauffeld is accused of shooting and killing Johnson County Reserve Deputy Sonny Smith in the early morning hours of May 15, 2015. He is charged with two counts of capital murder, two counts of attempted capital murder and one count of residential burglary.

The prosecution and the defense rested their cases just after 12 p.m.

Kauffeld testified in his own defense this morning. His attorney, Bill James, said putting his client on the stand was a necessity. He added who the jury believes fired their weapon first, whether it was Smith or Kauffeld, could be a deciding factor in the case.

The defense said the shooting was the result of a love triangle involving Kauffeld and Nancy Deatherage and Billy Nobles, who lived together in the home Kauffeld is accused of burglarizing.

Both Deatherage and Nobles testified on Wednesday.

If he is convicted, Kauffeld is facing life in prison. The state is not seeking the death penalty in this case.

The jury is deliberating and will resume at 9 a.m. Friday (May 27).

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