SAN ANTONIO — The trial of three former San Antonio police officers charged in the 2023 killing of a woman during a mental health call continued Wednesday, where the defense team continued building their argument that the first responding officer – who isn't on trial – didn't follow protocol and could've prevented the shooting.

That would have involved arrested Melissa Perez right away after she tampered with the fire alarm system at her southwest-side apartment complex early in the morning of June 23, 2023, triggering the police response.

What ensued in the following minutes – culminating in the three officers shooting and killing Perez when authorities said she came at them with a hammer – is at the center of the case, including whether or not the deadly use of force was warranted.

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