Five men and five women heard opening statements this morning in the rape trial of former UA football player Johnathan Turner.
Prosecutor Michelle Araneta told the jurors the girl and Turner were all hanging out at a friend’s house when the girl decided to turn in for the night.
“Johnathan Turner sees (the girl) passed out on the couch. He sees her vulnerable and defenseless and in those moments he sees something he wants and he takes it. It doesn’t matter to him whether (the girl) wants it or not.”
Araneta said the girl woke up while Turner was having sexual intercourse with her and Turner’s DNA was later found on the girl’s ear, left breast and abdomen.
Turner gave multiple conflicting stories about the events of that night, Araneta said. At first, he said he merely kissed her, but after hearing about the DNA results, he said they had consensual sex, Araneta said.
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Defense attorney Richard Martinez said Turner and the girl did have consensual sex.
He also said it is the girl who has given conflicting stories. She has provided inconsistent statements about how much she had to drink and what position she was in when she woke up, Martinez said.
Martinez said one witness will testify there was “sexual bantering” going on that night between the girl and Turner.
The defense attorney told jurors the girl is outgoing and likes to be the center of attention.
The girl took the stand shortly before the lunchtime break and is expected to resume her testimony at 1:30 p.m.
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