‘Exactly similar’ AK-47 to be used in Warren County shooter trial

Deputy Katie Barnes’ bloodied undershirt will not be among the evidence presented during the trial to begin Monday of the man charged in an active-shooter case in Warren County.

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But Judge Timothy Tepe otherwise ruled prosecutors will be able to use a wide range of photos, some bloody, and an AK-47 “exactly similar” to one Mohammed Laghaoui is suspected of firing during the incident that prompted the lockdown of the Landen community in Deerfield Twp., Warren County, while deputies hunted for the shooter.

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“The nature of this case. There’s going to be blood,” Tepe said in reviewing defense objections to photographs among more than 200 taken at the scene.

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The alleged rifle was never recovered from a lake where Laghaoui told investigators he threw it, but prosecutors have obtained the exact make and model as one Laghaoui previously purchased, court officials said Wednesday during the final pre-trial hearing in the case.

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Barnes and Laghaoui’s father were wounded during a shooting reportedly sparked by a domestic dispute at the Laghaoui apartment in the Landen area.

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Other photos will show where other rounds allegedly fired by Laghaoui nicked a dresser and hit a chair in the room of an 8-year-old neighbor.

Tepe also ruled prosecutors cannot show the jury a drawing of two rifles found on a piece of toilet paper in Laghaoui’s cell.

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The jury is to visit the scene on Monday, the first of what is scheduled as a five-day trial.

Laghaoui, 20, agreed to give up his right to attend the jury viewing after an exchange with Tepe ending the hearing.

“This is our last time together before the trial begins,” the judge said.

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