Videos, DNA evidence may be key in St. Louis officer's trial

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former St. Louis police officer's murder trial that begins this week is expected to hinge on videos and DNA evidence that have raised questions about the officer's actions after the shooting and the weapon recovered by police.

Jason Stockley, who's white, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith, a black 24-year-old.

Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson has ordered lawyers and witnesses not to discuss the case, but evidence will certainly include video , both from police and from a bystander.

The officers eventually rammed their sport utility vehicle into the back of Smith's car, causing its air bags to deploy.

Video from a bystander shows Stockley later climbing into the driver's seat of Smith's car immediately after officers pulled Smith out.

According to police reports, Stockley told internal investigators and his sergeant that he believed Smith was reaching for a revolver after being ordered to show his hands.