Thompson has alibi for time of slaying, attorney says

IOWA CITY - As a 64-year-old landlord was being fatally shot while checking in on his condominiums in south Iowa City two years ago, Charles W. Thompson was playing video games with his girlfriend, according to defense attorney Tyler Johnston.

During opening statements in Thompson's first-degree murder trial, which began Wednesday afternoon after two days of jury selection, Johnston challenged jurors to find “one shred” of evidence that his client fired the shot that killed John Versypt on Oct. 8, 2009.

“Look for one bit of evidence that proves Charles Thompson wasn't where he said he was that night,” Johnston said.

Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, was charged months later. Police suspect he shot Versypt at close range with a .38-caliber revolver in the front of his head and in his hand, according to amended trial information.

The prosecution told jurors that witnesses knew Thompson had a .38-caliber handgun, like the one used in the shooting, and that investigators found gunshot residue on his black hooded sweat shirt. He also provided several different accounts of his whereabouts that night, according to the opening statement, and said he had never handled a gun.

But Johnston told the jury that detectives were frustrated by the lack of immediate leads in the case that fueled tensions on the south side of town and contributed to its negative image.

“Over time, that frustration begins to show,” Johnston said. “The police were so motivated to solve this crime” that they began offering monetary rewards and talking with tipsters.

One such informant, he said, was Justin A. Marshall, 20, who later was arrested as a second suspect in the homicide and also charged with first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 17.

Johnston said Marshall was feeling pressure from the ongoing investigation and told police that Thompson, now 19, was involved to move their focus off him.

Johnston, who said his client has denied involvement from the start, accused investigators of pressuring witnesses to change their versions of events to match the police version.

But District Attorney Janet Lyness told the jury Wednesday that the investigation - including physical evidence and witness testimony - will convince them of Thompson's guilt.

The 14 jurors who were seated Wednesday afternoon, including two alternates, will return to hear more testimony at 9 a.m. today. The trial is expected to go into next week.