Trial Starts in Case of Slain Bowie State Student

Testimony began today in the trial of a former Bowie State University student charged with killing her roommate in September 2011, with the prosecution painting defendant Alexis Simpson as a student who chose to stab and kill her suitemate.

But the defense painted the victim, Bowie State student Dominique Frazier, as a bully who tormented Simpson.

Simpson is charged with murder and also faces a charge of carrying a deadly weapon.

Frazier died after knife wounds cut her trachea, jugular and nicked her vertebra, according to the prosecution’s opening argument.The prosecution called three witnesses: The victim’s mother and two students who witnessed the stabbing, including the victim’s best friend Nielah Tucker.

The defense revealed in cross-examination that the victim and her friends had been drinking 100-proof tequila mixed with orange soda. They had been drinking for at least 20 minutes.

Drinking in dorms is a violation of school policy and the girls were underage.

Their party was interrupted when Alexis Simpson entered the suite and turned off the music that was blasting from an IPod. A verbal argument ensued; followed at least two fights. The second one ended with Simpson dead.

Tucker testified, “I saw Dominique grab her neck, it was a cut on her neck and a lot of blood coming out of it… she stumbled out of her room and out of the apartment… She made it to the RAs apartment and collapsed.”

Trial will continue in Prince George's County court.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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