Trial of man accused of shooting Johnson County officer continues this week

Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of Joey Ponce, facing attempted first-degree murder charges after a violent multi-state pursuit. Prosecutors say the incident started with an armed robbery at a Watauga County convenience store and ended in a dramatic shootout in Johnson County. Jurors viewed intense police video of the confrontation, which left Deputy Trevor Estrada shot in the leg. While prosecutors announced they are seeking life without parole, the defense team shifted focus to the aftermath of the shooting, highlighting that a wounded Ponce begged deputies to kill him. The trial continues this week.