Pierce jurors watch video of chase

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An emotional day inside the courtroom in the trial of the man accused of murder in the death of a Wilmington police officer. Today the jury watched more than 20 minutes of the dash-cam video of the pursuit Feb. 18, 2009, that led to the death of Ofc. Richard Matthews.

Jurors paid close attention to the video. The most obvious emotional reaction in the courtroom came from Matthews’s mother. She wiped away tear after tear as the video played on.

The prosecution continued to argue its case that Pierce’s actions caused Matthews’s death. Matthews joined the chase, but died after crashing into a tree, trying to avoid a box in the road.

As the video played pierce also showed signs of emotion as he sat quietly in his chair glancing at the video from time to time.

“I feel for (Pierce),” said Tim Williams, who worked with Pierce as a trash collector for the City of Wilmington. He came on his only day off this week to show support for his friend, who he says is facing some tough allegations.

“He was already in custody when the officer was coming to the scene,” Williams said, “so it’s a raw deal.”