A 911 recording captured the moment millionaire Patrick A. Evans, former Jabil Circuit vice president, shot dead his wife and her boyfriend at close range in their home.
The 911 recording was presented yesterday to the court during Patrick A. Evans murder trial.
Patrick A. Evans, 44, a Fortune 500 executive with a six-figure salary, a private plane and a million-dollar waterfront home, faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders of Elizabeth K. Evans, 44, and her friend, Jerry B. Taylor, 43.
During the opening statement yesterday, Assistant State Attorney Christopher LaBruzzo told jurors about the unique and key piece of evidence that will persuade them to find Patrick A. Evans guilty.
Attorney Christopher LaBruzzo said: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is rare in cases in America where a murder is actually captured on a 911 call.”
On the night of 20 December, 2008, someone called 911 from Elizabeth Evans’ Gulfport condominium but did not hang up.
Attorney Christopher LaBruzzo said Patrick A. Evans arrived at the condominium with a handgun. On the tape, which will be played for the jury, Patrick A. Evans can be herad telling his estranged wife: “Sit on the bed.”
Her wife, Elizabeth K. Evans replies to him “no”. A third voice – of Jerry B. Taylor – says: “Put the gun down” before a gunshot is heard.
Attorney Christopher LaBruzzo told jurors: “Boom, you will hear a gunshot, a single shot, close range, striking Mr Taylor in the throat. Causing internal damage which ultimately resulted in his death.
Seeing hearing and witnessing this gunshot, Elizabeth Evans shouts, <<Are you out of your f***ing…>>. Boom, second shot.”
TampaBay.com reported Attorney Christopher LaBruzzo told the jury Elizabeth K. Evans and Patrick A. Evans had been having marital difficulties. Patrick A. Evans filed for divorce, changed his mind, then she filed for divorce.
As well as the recording police matched shell casing fired from Patrick A. Evans’ Glock handgun to those fired from the crime scene.
After the shootings, Patrick A. Evans was stopped by sheriff’s deputies and brought in for questioning.
A recording was made of that conversation, though it may not be played for the jury.
Patrick A. Evans’ defense attorney, David Parry, did not make an opening statement on Tuesday.
Patrick A. Evans murder trial continues.