Trial shifts to crime scene evidence
Published 9:08 am Thursday, March 5, 2009
Testimony at the murder trial of a man accused of killing a Waseca father and son has shifted to evidence that prosecutors say ties him to the scene of the crime.
Twenty-six-year-old Michael Zabawa is accused of shooting father and son Tracy and Alec Kruger in their home in February 2007. He has plead not guilty.
During testimony Wednesday, deputies who responded to the shooting described how several sets of footprints and a stolen pickup truck led them to Zabawa’s residence in the town of Matawan.
A day earlier, shooting survivor Hilary Kruger testified about the last moments of her husband’s and son’s lives.
A trauma surgeon at North Memorial Medical Center testified that he didn’t believe Hilary Kruger would live through her operation.
The day ended with testimony from Waseca Police Officer Timothy Schroeder, who said he drove at speeds of nearly 100 mph to get to the Kruger home about 10 minutes outside Waseca.
The trial was moved from Waseca to Rochester because of concern over publicity. It’s expected to last into next week.