Jurors watch video re-enactment of shooting

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 13, 2011

By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Robert Douglas Earnhardt performed a re-enactment for law enforcement on the night his stepfather, Billy Tommy Elmore, was shot to death.
Earnhardt is on trial for the first-degree murder of Elmore, who had gone to 165 Leisure Lane on Sept. 17, 2009, to feed his dog. Elmore and his wife, Patty Kesler Earnhardt Elmore, were estranged.
Jurors watched the video, which at times was difficult to hear. There was other noise that could be heard on the video, including a barking dog.
Rowan County Sheriff’s Lt. Chad Moose testified that Billy Elmore’s injuries indicated he was shot near the back part of the head near his right ear, where the shotgun shell entered. The exit of the shell was the front, left part of Elmore’s head.
Moose said before re-enacting what took place, Robert Earnhardt asked that Elmore’s body be covered, “so he wouldn’t have to see it.”
Earnhardt has indicated via his attorney, Jay White of Concord, he intends to offer self-defense.
See Wednesday’s Post for more details.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.