PHOENIX, Arizona, began opening statements this week in the trial of a man accused of shooting Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan eight times, including once in the head, in a 2018 incident that left the officer critically injured. Jury selection wrapped up on Monday, nearly five years after the shooting, clearing the way for the long-delayed proceedings to move forward. The trial is expected to last several weeks as both sides present evidence and witness testimony to the jurors. Prosecutors outlined their case and then began calling witnesses to describe what happened before, during and after the gunfire. PHOENIX prosecutors called Moldovan, other responding officers, detectives and forensic experts to the stand as they began building their case. Moldovan walked to the witness stand and testified before jurors, describing the events surrounding the shooting and his role that night. His appearance in court marked a notable moment in the case, given the severity of his injuries and the time that has passed since the incident. Investigators and forensic specialists are expected to provide additional detail on the evidence gathered at the scene as the trial continues in Maricopa County court.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.