A Dauphin County jury this afternoon began considering the attempted murder and assault case against a Harrisburg man who shot and wounded another motorist during an Easter 2009 road-rage incident.
Curtis A. Williams Jr., 47, claims he was defending himself and his sons when he shot Harrison Purdy Jr., 36, of Lower Paxton Township, after Purdy confronted him at Witmer Road and Route 322 in Swatara Township.
In closing arguments today, defense attorney Justin McShane said Williams, who was licensed to carry a gun, was justified in shooting Purdy because he believed he and his sons were in mortal danger and had no quick means of escape.
Deputy District Attorney Carlton Smith argued that Williams could have driven away, but “overreacted” and shot the unarmed Purdy in the left thigh. Purdy claimed he intended only to yell at Williams about his driving.
The jurors deliberated about 30 minutes this afternoon before Judge Andrew H. Dowling sent them home with orders to take up the case again tomorrow.
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