"Joshua (Branch) is a potential killer. He's seen action in Afghanistan and Iraq and the Marines trained him to kill. He isn't just anybody," Brad Kerwin, Lawrence Branch's attorney, said during the trial. "Lawrence (Branch) was justified in shooting this man in the leg."Kirtland man convicted for shooting son
By Ryan Boetel
The Daily Times
Updated: 06/13/2013
AZTEC — A Kirtland man was found guilty of shooting his adoptive son in the leg and he is facing up to seven years in prison when he is sentenced Wednesday morning.
Lawrence Branch, 56, was convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, negligent use of a firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a two-day trial at the Aztec district courthouse on May 30 and 31 with District Judge William Birdsall presiding.
Branch shot Joshua Branch, 32, in the leg outside Lawrence Branch's trailer on County Road 6255 on May 7, 2012. The father and son said they were arguing about how to take care of a swamp cooler and other old items on Branch's property.
Lawrence Branch unsuccessfully argued in court that he shot his son in self defense. He said he was afraid for his life because of Joshua Branch's military experience.
Joshua Branch reportedly suffers from post traumatic stress disorder because of experiences he had while serving in recent wars for the U.S. Marine Corps, according to court testimony.
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I am the only veteran that has been to all hearings and the trial to show support for Josh.
ReplyDeleteIf any of you are nearby, I request that, if available, that any/all veterans and those who love a veteran come to the sentencing to show support for our brother.
Sentencing is scheduled for 06/19/2013 at 0830 in Axtec District Court, Aztec, NM in Judge Birdsall's courtroom (number 3).
I am glad you are there for him. That lawyer slammed all veterans with what he said and they should all show up!
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