Trial starts for man accused of shooting girlfriend in the neck

The trial for a man accused of shooting his girlfriend began Tuesday in Columbia.

Alfonso Rodriguez is charged with armed criminal action, first degree assault, and resisting arrest after allegedly shooting Giesla Angel-Lopez in the neck on May 26, 2013.

The shooting happened in the 5600 block of South Route K. Rodriguez allegedly shot her from inside his truck, then led police on a pursuit that ended on I-70.

Police believe Rodriguez shot Angel-Lopez because he was angry she was dating other men.

During the trial Tuesday, the victim was called to the stand to recount the events of that weekend. Angel-Lopez spent nearly a month in critical condition.

Angel-Lopez said Rodriguez shot her in the neck as they were driving down Route K. She said he then pulled into a driveway off the road and she opened the door and tried to get out of the truck.

A man who lives off Route K allegedly saw the her lying in the road and called 911.

He said he came out and saw she was bleeding from a bullet wound, and saw a bullet hole through the passenger window.

He then saw the man believed to be Rodriguez leave the scene in the truck. The witness said he asked the victim if she knew who shot her and she said yes.

Another man also stopped along the road and called 911.

Angel-Lopez said she has scars from being shot and that she was unable to speak for more than a month.

She had a trach and had to go to rehab, and now has monthly doctor visits to maintain treatment.

More witnesses will be giving testimony Wednesday.