As the trial of three former San Antonio police officers accused in the shooting death of Melissa Perez nears jury deliberations, questions loom over what it would take for jurors to reach a not-guilty verdict.

Defense attorney John Hunter, who has successfully defended clients in high-profile murder cases, said proving — or disproving — murder is never simple.

“Murder is hard to prove,” Hunter said. “Sometimes that isn’t as clear cut as what the outward facts show.”

For jurors to acquit on a murder charge, every element of the case, including intent, threat and use of force, must be in question. Prosecutors, Hunter said, face the difficult task of proving there was no lawful justification for the officers’ use of force.

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