The trial of a man charged with killing a Grand Rapids Police Officer continues. Prosecutors say 46-year-old Jeffrey VanVels shot Robert Kozminski last July. VanVels' wife is expected to take the stand Friday.
Before the trial even began, there was a victory for the prosecution. Judge George Buth ruled Thursday that statements made by VanVels immediately following the shooting are admissable at trial. According to police, VanVels admitted to killing Officer Kozminski.
According to police, VanVels said, "Why don't you just kill me? I think I'm gonna get the gas chamber anyways."
The first part of the day was filled with the prosecutor and defense attorney making their opening statements. The second half of the day, jurors heard testimony from Grand Rapids Police Officers. Each was questioned about their encounters with Jeffrey VanVels before the night of the deadly shooting.
Three Grand Rapids Police Officers pointed out Jeffrey VanVels and his home on Emerald Street. The men were called to the VanVels home twice for domestic abuse in November of 2006 and June of 2007.
Officer Joseph Trigg described the first time he went to the house with Officer Kozminski. "Mr. Kozminski had gone over to talk to Mr. Vanvels, and I think he had agreed to leave for the night."
Vanvels had a second encounter with police in June and this time he was arrested. Officer James Butler testified, "I asked him about the altercation with his wife, and he explained they were going through a divorce."
The prosecution also presented a gun case found during a search of the home in June, as well as a reloading device.
In his cross-examination, VanVels attorney noted that in each encounter with police, even when arrested, VanVels was calm and cooperative.
"He didn't resist that process? No. Didn't get in your face about it? No. Cooperated and complied with what he was told to do? Yes."
VanVels lawyer urged the jury to keep 'an open mind' in what he said might be the hardest case to do so.
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