TESTIMONY CONTINUES IN MICHAEL DIXON TRIAL

  

The capital murder trial of Michael Dixon continues today.

Dixon, in addition to three other suspects, is being charged with the murder of Blinn College student Trey Kurtz, on October 30, 2014.

Wednesday’s proceedings included testimony from Brenham Police Investigators Todd Ashorn and John Snowden, Officer Hunter Andras, Travis County Medical Examiner Dr. Vickie Willoughby, and the 911 caller that discovered the body of Kurtz at the intersection of Seelhorst and Dark Street near downtown Brenham.

Investigator Ashorn said he interviewed around 30 witnesses in the days following Kurtz’s death, including 15 to 20 residents on Seelhorst Street. Ashorn said the police department could not immediately identify any suspects.

He noted that Investigator Snowden was in charge of cell phone forensics.  Snowden gave Ashorn lists of contacts to interview, once he observed the call logs on Kurtz’s phone.

Ashorn also mentioned that Kurtz lived at the College Park Apartments at 500 College Avenue, near Jackson Street Park, which is a short distance from Dark Street. Ashorn says he walked the distance between the two locations, to attempt to establish a timeline of the events of October 30^th.

Dr. Vickie Willoughby gave details on the conditions of Kurtz’s body when it was brought in for autopsy on October 31^st.  Upon external examination, she discovered several abrasions and contusions across his head and face, along with the gunshot wound entering into the back-right side of his head.

She noted there were several tears breaking from the wound going upward, along with abrasions caused by unburned gunpowder hitting the skin. From this, she believes the gun was very close to his head when it discharged, at an upward angle.  She also believes Kurtz did not die immediately from the gunshot, as there were signs of hemorrhaging at the site of the wound.

In addition, she mentioned that toxicology reports found traces of marijuana and prescription drugs in Kurtz’s system.

Investigator John Snowden briefly began his testimony Wednesday, and will continue today (Thursday). Several other officers and witnesses are slated to speak, as well.