REPLAY LIVE COVERAGE: More defense witnesses take stand in Becker trial

Dwight Rogers testified today that Mark Becker knocked on his door June 20, 2009, then broke out some windows at his house and garage with a baseball bat.

Rogers testified for the defense today in Becker's murder trial. Becker, 24, is accused of shooting and killing Aplington-Parkersburg football coach Ed Thomas June 24 in the school's weight room. Becker is claiming insanity as his defense.

Rogers, of Cedar Falls, said he didn't know Becker. Becker asked him if he was Rogers, and when Rogers said yes and asked who he was, Becker said "you know who the ---- I am."

Rogers said when he wouldn't come back outside his house to talk to Becker, Becker took the bat and smashed his storm door, broke out a picture window and then a window in the garage. He then attempted to drive through the garage door.

Becker was arrested in this incident after leading police on a high speed chase. His eluding charge stems from that incident.

Susan Flander, Becker's attorney, asked Rogers if he ever went to preschool with Becker, gave him a teddy bear or tried to hypnotize him. Rogers said no.

Two friends of Becker also testified about how his personality changed after he started using marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine. They said he was withdrawn, jittery and seemed on edge.

The majority of the morning, the jury watched a videotaped police interview with Becker. The prosecution played the audio recording of the interview for the jurors on Tuesday, but the defense wanted them see the video.

In the interview, Becker admits to shooting Thomas, calling him the devil tyrant and saying other unusual things.

In an audio recording of the interrogation, which took place just hours after the shooting, Becker admits he shot Thomas.

The video includes about 45 minutes before the interrogation, in which Becker shouts and mumbles about God, Satan and "being free."

Gazette Reporter Trish Mehaffey will continue her liveblog from the courtroom this afternoon. Testimony resumes at 1 p.m. Readers can ask questions and share comments for the blog.

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