Courtroom heats up as two sides disagree over accused shooter’s innocence

The courtroom was heated Wednesday as the man accused of pulling the trigger in the downtown shooting on Tenth Street and Broadway appeared before a judge.

The hearing was supposed to be a bond reduction hearing, but Eric Cravens’ lawyer, Jennifer Bukowsky, brought evidence that she says will prove his innocence.

The evidence included dozens of pages of witness interviews, surveillance video, and even leads on who the real shooters are.

She also requested for Cravens to get a day out of jail next week for the birth of his first child.

But Boone County prosecuting attorney Tracy Gonzalez says she has enough evidence on Cravens to keep him behind bars, and she also opposes the furlough for the day release.

Cravens’ mother still maintains his innocence and hopes he will be released soon, at least for the birth of his daughter.

“This is his first child, he doesn’t even deserve to be in there period,” Teresa Smith said. “He needs to be out here where he belongs.”

Cravens will be back in court on Sept. 11, when witnesses will appear for both prosecution and defense.