Final day of testimony concludes in Samson Garner trial before closing arguments begin
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The trial of Samson Garner neared its end on Wednesday as final witnesses were called. Garner is the man accused of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock’s Craggin’ Classic in October of 2023.
The day of testimony was shortened due to discussions between the state, defense team, and judge regarding evidence and jury instructions.
Witnesses on Wednesday included sergeants from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Their testimony focused on Garner’s internet history, cell phone data, and details of the firearms on his person when he was arrested.
The prosecution also called Garner’s ex-wife, Lindsey Garner, back for rebuttal, specifically to address certain statements Garner himself made while testifying in his own defense.
A key argument in Garner’s defense has been he was an avid target-shooter and only brought his multiple firearms to Central Oregon for recreation. Yet both a sergeant who examined Garner’s firearms and Garner’s ex-wife contradicted that theory.
“I can’t recall a time that he went to a shooting range after, you know, that first year or two of us being in Portland. He found it much more difficult to hunt deer in Oregon than in Michigan and North Carolina. So he didn’t pursue it and chose to pursue other outdoor recreational activities instead,” Lindsey Garner testified.
Garner previously testified he was a believer in the Christian faith, yet his ex-wife claimed under oath he was “staunchly anti-organized religion”. The topic’s relevance was tied to Garner’s claim he sent violent, threatening messages to his friend, in part, because he refused to be the godfather of Garner’s twin daughters. Lindsey Garner testified they never made any such request of their friends.
Closing arguments are expected to begin first thing Thursday morning before the case goes to the jury.