Cash, Bullets, Pills Found at Murder Scene

A shotgun, dozens of rounds of ammunition and thousands of dollars in cash were found inside the home where a teacher was murdered, officers testified in court Tuesday.

They also showed graphic photos of how the body of Jason Harper was found.

Harperโ€™s dead body was discovered under a pile of blankets and junk inside his Carlsbad home on Aug. 7, 2012.

His wife Julie Harper is on trial for his murder. Prosecutors say Julie shot her husband while their children watched cartoons downstairs. Her lawyer says the shooting was in self-defense.

Jurors listened as Carlsbad Police Officer Faye Escomiendo shared evidence found at the crime scene, including the blood-stained shirt she collected off Harperโ€™s body. Escomiendo also found bottles of prescription drugs, including hydrocodone and Oxycotin, registered in Julie's name.

Prosecutors say Julie filed for divorce the week before Jason was killed, claiming he physically and verbally abused her. They say Julie also forged her husband's signature and pulled thousands of dollars from his account.

The victim's younger brother testified about what he calls โ€œthe worst day of my life.โ€

โ€œHe had found like a deceased male who matched Jason's description, and then I broke down for about 10 minutes,โ€ Brian Harper said.

Brian also said he feared for his life until Julie was taken into custody.

โ€œI barricaded the front door with the metal chair from the dining room, got the knife from the kitchen, brought it to the kids' room, and then I stayed awake until the morning," he said.

The Harpers' two children are expected to take the witness stand Wednesday.

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