Defense attorneys spent Wednesday pressing the credibility and consistency of the state’s evidence in the Iredell County Superior Court trial of Austin Ray Harmon, who faces multiple charges stemming from a fatal crash more than three years ago.
The fifth day of testimony centered entirely on Highway Patrol Trooper David Reid, who returned to the stand to continue detailing his reconstruction of the crash. Reid walked jurors through photos, GPS-based measurements, and findings from a nighttime visibility study conducted as part of the investigation.
During a lengthy cross-examination, defense attorney Ken Darty worked to highlight discrepancies. The defense introduced material that appeared to conflict with earlier witness testimony and with statements previously given to investigators. The goal, Darty suggested, was to challenge the reliability of the state’s narrative about what happened that night.
The defense team — Ken and Kaleigh Darty — has also continued its effort to cast doubt on claims that Harmon was significantly impaired at the time of the crash.
Assistant District Attorney Red Arrow told Judge Thomas Lock late Wednesday that the state expects to conclude its presentation of evidence today.
