BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- "Do you know why?"
Prosecutors say these were the last words of New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner right before he was killed. They say Almond Upton intentionally struck Trooper Skinner as he conducted a traffic stop along Interstate 81.
Prosecutors told the court that, when Upton was interviewed by state police, he admitted to "aiming at" and "zeroing in" on Trooper Skinner. However, the defense says Upton thought he was being controlled by demons. They say he was diagnosed with a mental illness in 2011 after spending five days in a mental hospital in Connecticut.
The defense says behaviors leading up to the crash and after indicate that Upton was not in his right mind. They say when police found him after the crash, he was naked and had consumed deer feces. But despite suffering from a mental illness, prosecutors say Upton was aware and in control of his actions.
Two witnesses were called to the stand, one being a scene investigator. That investigator testified that the data record box located in Upton's truck recorded speeds of 93 miles per hour before impact. That witness also testified that the data box read 100 percent throttle with no indication of braking.
The prosecution also showed photos from the scene. They say forensic evidence shows that Trooper Skinner's body was found about 385 feet away from the initial collision.
Testimony will continue Monday morning.