“I had a problem that he shot Jonathan Price” – stated Police Sergeant Jarred Hayes during Lucas murder trial
September 20, 2022
Photo: File / CCSO
Hunt County hasn’t seen a high-profile court case in many years until the Shaun Lucas trial. Lucas was arrested and charged in Oct. of 2020 after he shot and killed Jonathan Price. The trial is being held in the 354th Judicial District Court with Honorable Judge Keli Aiken presiding.
Wolfe City Police Sergeant Jarred Hayes who was on the scene the day of Oct. 3 2020 testified Monday. In court, he told prosecutors Price smelled like alcohol, but was not being aggressive to anyone. When asked by the defense, “did you have a problem when Lucas shot Price,” he replied, “I had a problem that he shot Jonathan Price.”
Another witness Nicholas Crockett told jurors what he saw at the scene. “I saw Lucas say to Jonathan, ‘I said come here.’ He then used a taser to hit him in the backside, Jonathan stumbled down a stair, lost his balance, reached out to catch himself and then he was shot.” With Price laying there, Officer Lucas then handcuffed him.
The defense is led by Toby Shook and Robert Rogers. Rogers stated that Shaun Lucas gave 20 loud commands over 60 seconds and Price followed zero of them. The defense said Price was the aggressor and that Lucas had taken reasonable action with deadly force.
Steve Lilley, assistant district attorney for Hunt County would strongly disagree with that, “this shooting was not necessary and if not necessary, it was murder.”
On the night of Oct. 3, Lucas responded to an argument between a couple at a local convenience store. Witnesses said Price tried to step in and break up the disagreement. As Lucas came onto the scene, Rogers stated Price had resisted, then attempted to take Lucas’ taser from him.
Rogers went on to say Lucas had discharged his weapon in accordance with Texas law when he was confronted with an aggressive assailant.
Thereafter the incident was investigated by the Texas Rangers and Lucas was charged with murder. The Wolfe City Police Department terminated Lucas for violation of the city’s and the police department’s policies.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates