Trial begins for accused school shooter
JACKSBORO, Tenn. (AP) – Opening statements have begun in the murder trial of a former Campbell County High School student who is accused of fatally shooting an assistant principal.
Police say Kenneth Bartley was 14 years old when he gunned down vice principal Ken Bruce and wounded two assistant principals in November of 2005.
WBIR (http://on.wbir.com/1ep2XxK ) is reporting that Bartley is facing seven charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and bringing a gun to school grounds.
Bartley pleaded guilty in 2007 in exchange for a 45-year-sentenece, but the plea bargain was thrown out because the defendant made the deal without consent from his parents.
Defense attorneys have said the central question at the trial will be whether the former student intended to kill anyone when he opened fire inside the school.
