Law Enforcement Academy Grad On Trial For Murder

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — A trial has begun for a Galveston woman pursuing a career in law enforcement charged with murder in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend.

The Galveston County Daily News (http://bit.ly/1UgR6e0 ) reports that opening statements were made by lawyers Tuesday in the trial of Claudia Kristine Esquivel. Galveston police found the body of 27-year-old Christopher Chapa at a residence on June 16, 2014. Esquivel was found at the home of her mother, who called 911 to report a family violence incident.

Esquivel's attorneys say their client grabbed a gun to ward off Chapa, but never intended to harm him.

Esquivel, who graduated from Galveston College's Law Enforcement Academy just weeks before the shooting, faces five to 99 years in prison. She also faces a fine of up to $10,000.