Gardea Trial: Opening statements reveal history between victim and Gardea

The murder trial of the man who is accused of gunning down a Yuma man he had only known for weeks is underway.

State prosecutors are painting John Gardea as a cold-blooded killer, high on meth, who planned out the murder of Edward “Eddie” Rowland.

Prosecutors explained it was all over respect, but the defense said that this is a story of “an imperfect journey of an imperfect hero,” who was acting in self-defense.

The defense explained Gardea was addicted to drugs and seeked treatment in Yuma at the Crossroads Mission for drug addiction.

Prosecutors hope the jury will find Gardea guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.

The State said Gardea arrived at Rowland’s apartment at the Twin Palms with the intention of killing Rowland. They explained Gardea parked near “dark hill” and “ramped himself up” by smoking meth.

According to the state, Gardea kicked down Rowland’s front door and allegedly shot him in the chest.

The state said while walking to Rowland’s door, Gardea motioned to a second victim to not make noise as he walked up in all black with a bandana over his face.

Rowland died hours later at the hospital, but he didn’t go down without a fight.

Prosecutors detailed a physical fight between Gardea and Rowland after Rowland was shot. They said Gardea’s bandana fell off and lost control of the gun he allegedly shot Rowland with.

David Shapiro the defense attorney, said there is no question that Gardea pulled the trigger of the 9-millimeter gun. But said that days before the murder, Rowland threatened to kill Gardea.

He said Gardea was only looking to make peace.

The initial falling out between the two men allegedly came after Gardea met with Rowland a month before his death to sell him tools, to repay a woman he owed money to, according to Shapiro.

The situation took a turn when Gardea was waiting at Rowland’s apartment and Rowland’s father showed up and questioned Gardea’s presence.

Gardea’s defense stated that during the disagreement, Rowland punched Gardea.

Rowland’s father then walked Gardea to his car and allegedly punched him stealing items from his wallet, the car title, and the keys to his car.