Day one of James Ross trial: witnesses tell jurors he pointed gun during dispute at JC's Alterations
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Summary
On June 1, 2025, witnesses in Bexar County court testified that defendant James Ross pointed a silver handgun at workers during a payment dispute at JC's Alterations; testimony included two eyewitness identifications and admitting of photo exhibits. The trial will continue tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
A jury in Bexar County heard testimony Tuesday that defendant James Ross threatened workers and pointed a firearm during a dispute at JC's Alterations on June 1, 2025.
Officer Christian Benavides, the state's first witness, told the court he was dispatched to a strip-mall store at about 5:49 p.m. and observed people moving items and witnesses who described an aggravated robbery. The court admitted the State's photo exhibits of the scene without objection.
Workers who helped move the store gave direct testimony identifying Ross. Alyssa Ramirez described calling 911 while hiding during the incident, saying she —was too scared to talk— and that a man at the scene —pulled out a gun— and pointed it at her and a co-worker. Ramirez later identified the defendant in court.
Daphne Smith, another worker who said she had recommended Ross for the job, testified that Ross slammed down a folding chair, pulled a silver handgun from his shorts, put it to her head and threw her against a wall. She told jurors she —was praying— and —absolutely— felt threatened.
Defense counsel repeatedly objected to some lines of questioning; the court sustained an objection and then ruled on an oral motion in limine that barred questions about alleged prior bad acts or convictions in front of the jury unless relevance is shown outside its presence. The court instructed both sides that any questioning about matters covered by the motion must be heard at sidebar before the jury.
Cross-examination probed the witnesses' recollection, timing and whether any property was taken. Officer Benavides acknowledged he did not find a gun at the scene and that some information the officer relayed came from witnesses.
The judge excused witnesses when their testimony concluded and reminded jurors and witnesses not to discuss testimony or conduct outside investigation. The court set the next hearing day and the continuation of the trial for 1:30 p.m. the following day.