Testimonies continue in Vanbergen murder trial

LOWVILLE- The Lewis County Courthouse was busy on Thursday for day two of the Jacob Vanbergen trial, the man accused of strangling his own friend and employer to death, Brandon Shekper, in early January, 2024.

According to the latest reports from WWNY-TV, various security camera clips were shown to the jury, including ones that showed the two entering their room at the Ridge View Lodge.

According to reports, it appears the video clips shown to the jury match the timeline originally portrayed to police investigators by Vanbergen, which suggests he left the room after the two had gotten into an argument.

After going to a local bar, Vanbergen is seen returning just before midnight on January 6, 2024.

Only ten-minutes later is when first responders arrived and Vanbergen can be seen leaving the room crying.

Additional footage was examined from Shepker’s home in Pennsylvania.

Vanbergen’s defense team argued that neighboring guests at the Ridge View did not hear or witness anything coming from Shepker and Vanbergen’s room the night of the alleged murder.

Meanwhile, the jury was presented with photos of the various injuries that Shepker suffered, including popped blood vessels and fractured thyroid cartilage.

A forensic pathologist who testified confirmed the cause of death as strangulation.

The prosecution is expected to bring more witnesses to the stand on Friday.

Lewis County Courthouse image.