Bay News 9
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Witness Claims No Signs of Abuse During Standoff Following Shooting of Lois Marrero
May 12, 2003
 
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DeJesus, right, held Davis hostage for several hours following the shooting of Marrero.

In a surveillance video played at the murder trial of Paula Gutierrez, Isaac Davis can be seen just to the left of Nester DeJesus, the man that killed Tampa Police officer Lois Marrero.

Shortly after the video was recorded, DeJesus put a gun under his chin and committed suicide.

On Monday morning Davis, who was held hostage by Gutierrez and DeJesus on that fateful July day in 2001, took the stand and talked about his ordeal.

Lois Marrero
  • Click here to access a site dedicted to her memory.
  • "I was like, please don't hurt me, please don't kill me," Davis testified. "He [DeJesus] goes, we're not going to hurt you."

    The pair stormed his apartment while fleeing from police after allegedly robbing a Tampa bank. DeJesus shot Marrerro several minutes before taking Davis hostage.

    Davis said that DeJesus turned on the television to see if his crimes had already reached the public.

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    Gutierrez's defense team is claiming she was abused by DeJesus.
    Prosecutor Jay Pruner asked Davis if Bay News 9 was showing any scenes from outside the apartment or any other aerial views of the complex. He also asked if DeJesus and Gutierrez were watching the broadcast.

    "I believe so," Davis responded. "She [Gutierrez] was sitting in the dining room. Yes, they were watching."

    Pruner also inquired about Gutierrez's demeanor during the standoff with police. Since much of her defense focuses on the idea that she was afraid of DeJesus and went on the crime spree against her will.

    "Did you ever see Mr. DeJesus put his hands on Ms. Gutierrez in any kind of threatening manner?" Pruner asked Davis.

    Davis: "No."

    Pruner: "Did Mr. DeJesus verbally threaten Ms. Gutierrez while they were in your apartment?"

    News Image
    Davis testified that he didn't see any signs of abuse by DeJesus against Gutierrez during the standoff.
    Davis: "No."

    By the time his testimony concluded Davis offered little if any information that would back up the defense claim that Gutierrez felt threatened. Prosecutors hope the jury will buy into their notion that she went along willingly and took part in the bank robbery and the murder of Marrero.

    The case will be handed over to the jury later this week.

     

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