Jurors Inspect Cars in Shot Mom Case

Frank White is on trial for shooting Rachel Silva and her son last year in Oceanside

Prosecutors wrapped up their case after showing jurors some key evidence at the trial of an off-duty San Diego police officer facing weapons charges.

The cars driven by Officer Frank White and Rachel Silva were towed Monday afternoon to a back parking lot at the county courthouse in Vista. At about 3 p.m., jurors were escorted to the lot to get a first-hand look at the vehicles. The bullet holes in the windshield of Silva's silver Honda were still visible.

Jurors had gone home for the day by 6 p.m., but attorneys stayed late for a hearing to determine whether Silva's alleged violent past could be introduced in the case.
   
White, who was off-duty, is accused of negligent discharge of his firearm, as well as a misdemeanor charge of brandishing a weapon. He faces nine years in prison if convicted.
   
Silva and her then 8-year-old son were wounded in the March 15, 2008, incident.
   
White's attorney has said Silva is to blame because she threatened the officer with her car. Witnesses have testified Silva blocked White's car with her vehicle and also clipped it in a Lowe's parking lot in Oceanside.
   
During testimony, an accident reconstruction expert testified Silva was driving about 5-10 mph when the cars collided, but White's attorney challenged that.

Judge Harry Elias will make a ruling this week to determine whether Silva's past can be introduced in the case.
   
Jurors could get the case as early as next week.

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