Jurors hear 911 call in Billings homicide trial

BILLINGS (AP) – Jurors have heard a recording of the 911 call made by a woman prosecutors say was shot to death while asking a dispatcher for help in Billings in 2013.

The recording captured the final words of Jessica Lee French Stephenson who said Richard Douglas Reinert Jr. was drunk and fighting with his wife.

Jurors heard the call Tuesday in the trial of 28-year-old Reinert in Yellowstone County District Court. Reinert is charged with deliberate homicide in the death of 25-year-old Stephenson at his home in December 2013.

Prosecutors say Reinert shot Stephenson multiple times in the head and chest while she was calling 911.

Reinert’s attorneys are arguing he used justifiable force in killing Stephenson and contend his actions were motivated by fear from Stephenson’s statements.