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Laurie Shaver trial: Opening statements begin in trial of woman accused of shooting husband

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Updated  September 9, 2024 8:56pm EDT
Marion County
FOX 35 Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. - A jury was seated and opening statements commenced on Monday in the trial of a woman who is accused of killing her husband and burying his body under a concrete slab in the couple's backyard.

Laurie Shaver’s attorneys filed a motion last year, claiming that her now-teenage daughter, who would have been seven years old at the time of the incident, was the one who pulled the trigger. The judge has not yet ruled on the motion.

Laurie Shaver is accused of shooting her husband, Michael, back in 2015. She is charged with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact.

Her husband's body was not found until 2018. Police said for years that their friends thought Michael was missing or had moved away.

The state told jurors that Laurie allegedly continued to send texts and Facebook messages on Michael’s behalf, telling others to leave him alone.

Opening statements begin in Laurie Shaver trial

A jury was seated and opening statements commenced on Monday in the trial of Laurie Shaver, who is accused of shooting her husband in November 2015 and burying his body under a concrete slab in the couple's backyard.

The defense argued that Laurie is the real victim and had endured abuse at the hands of husbands. They said that she never resorted to violence and it was her boyfriend, with whom she had an affair, who shot Michael and disposed of the body to protect her.

We expect to hear from Laurie and Michael’s daughter, Michael’s father, sister, and brother. It is yet to be known if we will hear from Laurie.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

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