SAN ANTONIO – Mason Lubitz appeared agitated and erratic in police custody following his arrest for the murder of his neighbor, Trevor Beeman.
Jurors on Friday watched a video in which Lubitz, in handcuffs, stated, “I just killed somebody,” moments after saying, “I’m not talking to a detective until I get my dog.”
The video was part of the evidence presented during the trial, now in its fourth day of testimony, that delved into the months-long feud between Lubitz and Beeman that culminated in the Christmas Day 2021 shooting.
Madison Roberson, Beeman’s girlfriend, testified that the conflict began when Beeman slapped Lubitz months before the fatal incident.
“I don’t know what Mason said, but it got under Trevor’s skin, and that’s when Trevor went up and open-hand smacked him,” Roberson said.
Roberson also described their relationship as volatile and admitted during cross-examination that both she and Beeman hit each other.
The defense argued that Lubitz had previously called police on Beeman, accusing him of physically assaulting Roberson.
Roberson confirmed the pair had an unhealthy relationship but denied Lubitz’s allegations that Beeman sold drugs, pointed a gun at her, or threatened Lubitz with a gun.
Lubitz has claimed he shot Beeman in self-defense after he walked into his apartment and threatened to hit him.
However, the state said Lubitz brought his rifle to his apartment the night before and planned to shoot Beeman for hitting him months before.
The trial is expected to resume Tuesday after the holiday weekend, with closing arguments possibly occurring the same day.
If convicted, Lubitz faces up to life in prison.