The trial for Enrique Arochi, the man charged in kidnapping a woman from the Shops of Legacy in Plano just over two years ago, is expected to shift from the prosecution’s case to defense witnesses after today’s testimony.
Today marks the third week the trial has been been in the Collin County Courthouse, with last week’s testimony ending with a rare piece of evidence. Arochi’s Camaro was brought to the courthouse loading dock for the jury to view in person — something the prosecution argued for so jurors could see exactly how Christina Morris’ body would have fit in his trunk.
The jury was allowed to walk up next to the car and look inside the trunk, as well as the front fender, which was damaged and then allegedly partially repaired by Arochi before police seized the vehicle. Usually, only photos or videos are provided.
In addition to the detective who investigated the Camaro was a botanist who examined vegetation found in the car’s undercarriage. He testified that three types of grass were found on the car, one of which grows primarily in places that are wet.
Last week’s final witness, who will be cross-examined by the defense today, was the Plano Police officer who originally deposed Arochi in September of 2014. Videos of the deposition were played for the jury, where Arochi is seen telling conflicting stories as to his whereabouts, who he was talking to the night Morris went missing, and how the dent got on the front of his Camaro.
The defense will begin calling witnesses once the prosecution’s case wraps up. The case will then go to the jury to deliberate following closing arguments, which could come as early as the end of the week.
