Man charged with shooting man in head on Manchester street says he acted in self-defense
Prosecutors say Tyrese Harris had other options than firing gun
Prosecutors say Tyrese Harris had other options than firing gun
Prosecutors say Tyrese Harris had other options than firing gun
A Manchester man charged in connection with a fatal shooting in the middle of South Willow Street in Manchester is asking for bail.
Tyrese Harris, 22, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder. His attorneys said he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Dzemal Cardakovic, 45, on Oct. 29, but prosecutors said Harris had other options.
Prosecutors said Harris was driving a Honda CRV on the day of the shooting and cut off Cardakovic, who was driving a pickup truck. Prosecutors said Cardakovic approached Harris' SUV, and Harris shot Cardakovic once.
The face-to-face interaction lasted three seconds, prosecutors said.
"He shot Mr. Cardakovic in the head and immediately he fled the scene," said Assistant Attorney General Adam Woods.
The only person to take the stand during Thursday's bail hearing was the lead detective in the case, whose testimony focused on witness interviews. Detective Austin Biery said about 15 to 20 people saw the shooting.
The defense highlighted one witness who said Cardakovic tried to enter Harris' vehicle.
Harris's attorneys said he feared for his life and the life of his pregnant girlfriend, who was a passenger in his car, but prosecutors said the shooting did not have to happen.
"He immediately — immediately, your honor — was able to pull his vehicle away after that shooting," Woods said. "He could have easily not shot and pulled his vehicle out, removing himself from that situation."
The judge said she is taking the arguments under advisement before she decides if Harris should be released on bail.