A trial is underway for a former Burgettstown police officer charged with criminal homicide in the shooting death of his daughter’s ex-boyfriend.
James Bongiorni, 68, is charged in the 2016 death of 38-year-old Brian Wilbert.
Bongiorni’s attorneys said he feared for his life and acted in self-defense when he killed Wilbert.
Bongiorni’s daughter had filed a protection from abuse order against Wilbert, saying he was physically abusive. Police said Wilbert showed up at the Bongiorni family’s home in April 2016, banging on the door and making threats.
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Multiple witnesses testified about the night of the shooting, describing Wilbert’s reputation as a fighter. One witnesses said Wilbert called earlier in the night and said he was coming to the Bongiorni home and bringing Pittsburgh’s famous pro fighter Paul Spadafore with him.
Prosecutors said Bongiorni and Wilbert argued. They said Wilbert had a knife, but the knife never left his car and didn’t have any blood on it.
Another witness testified that after Wilbert was shot, he crawled back to his car while bleeding. The witnesses testified Bongiorni’s wife was screaming, “Die, Wilbert die.”
PREVIOUS STORY: Trial begins for man in slaying of daughter's ex-boyfriend
A teenage girl and former Bongiorni neighbor testified in tears Tuesday about what she saw from her window. She recorded the shooting on her cellphone, but the video isn't clear and neither side says it proves their case.
The trial resumes Wednesday morning. Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.
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