MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Amy Senser’s stepdaughter is expected to take the stand again on Wednesday morning as the fatal hit-and-run trial continues.
Prosecutors say Senser struck and killed Anousone Phanthavong last August as he was filling up his stalled car with gas. Senser says she didn’t stop because she didn’t know she hit someone.
Senser is charged with criminal vehicular operation.
Senser’s stepdaughter will be cross-examined this morning. On Tuesday, Senser’s stepdaughter Brittani Senser said she was furious when she found out her stepmother had not come forward in a deadly hit and run.
Brittani Senser told the jury she was angry because there was speculation early on that she was the driver. She said she texted her stepmother, saying it wasn’t fair and that she needed to admit she was driving.
The 28-year-old told jurors she called Amy Senser’s attorney and gave him an ultimatum if they didn’t say who was driving she would.
Nine days after the deadly accident, Amy Senser’s attorney revealed she was the one behind the wheel.
Brittani Senser told the jury her relationship with Amy Senser has since been strained. She said she still visits the family occasionally and talks to her father often.
On Tuesday, jurors also heard from witnesses first on the scene, the State Patrol, and a forensic pathologist.
Phanthavong’s family had a difficult time as the jury was shown photos of his body and injuries.
Amy Senser also started to cry when the photos were shown. It was the first time we have seen any reaction from her.
Amy Senser’s daughters and husband — former Vikings player Joe Senser — are on the witness list and are expected to take the stand. Some expect the defendant herself to possibly take the stand.
A forensic pathologist told the judge there was high concentration of cocaine in Phanthavong’s system. However, the judge has ruled the jury won’t hear that evidence, saying it’s not enough to prove he was acting erratically when he was hit.
Amy Senser’s attorney asked for the evidence to be put on record in the event of an appeal.
