We’re now watching video of the transport back to Colorado. Letecia is seen manipulating her hands out of the restraints, glancing over several times, then taking a Monster can and hitting a member of law enforcement in the head with it.
Jessica Bethel is back on the witness stand testifying about the 4+ hour interview we’re now finished watching. Bethel was assigned to Gannon Stauch’s case as the lead detective from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Bethel is answering questions about how Letecia was driven by ambulance to Memorial Hospital to seek medical attention, and also walked away from the hospital before completing a sane exam.
District Attorney Michael Allen: “Did the reported anxiety attack achieve her goal of wanting to leave the Sheriff’s Office?”
Bethel: “Ultimately, yes.”
Bethel also testified saying in February, she received text messages from an unknown number, but based on the context, Bethel knew it was Letecia. Bethel said the text messages, “said they didn’t do anything to Gannon, and there was no negligence on their part.”
Bethel testified saying in early March, she had probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant, so she went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to arrest Letecia Stauch.
Bethel said Letecia was interviewed by the FBI. She said they also decided that Letecia would be driven back to Colorado. “She was calm, she ate, she sang songs, she played trivia,” said Bethel.
Bethel said Letecia had conversations not related to the investigation, she ate and drank, and was able to use the restroom. Bethel said she had the transport recorded thought because she was concerned with Letecia’s previous behavior.
We’re now watching video of the transport back to Colorado. Letecia is seen manipulating her hands out of the restraints, glancing over several times, then taking a Monster can and hitting a member of law enforcement in the head with it.
The driver of the vehicle then slams on the breaks, and the vehicle pulls over on the side of the highway.
As deputies are working to restrain her - Letecia: “She keeps threatening me the whole time.” Bethel: “Cooperate with me.” Letecia: “I will with you, but not with her.” Law enforcement: “You just got another charge.”
Bethel is now on the phone with other law enforcement calling for back-up, saying Letecia slipped out of her handcuffs, assaulted a deputy, and tried to escape. Letecia said she wasn’t trying to escape, she just wanted to open the door to get some air.
Earlier, Bethel testified saying that Letecia was moving around before slipping out of her handcuffs, and glancing at the deputies’ waist areas where their guns were.
Bethel testified saying it was a very dangerous situation, and that Letecia was already suspected of murder, then assaulted a deputy who was armed, and attempted to obtain her firearm.
