Trucker who stabbed co-driver to demise says he acted in self-defense in struggle on final day of a 6 day haul

Court docket testimony has supplied new particulars in a deadly stabbing involving co-drivers that occurred in California in August.

Truck driver Keith Alexander Forrest, 66, not too long ago appeared in courtroom for a listening to associated to a murder cost filed in opposition to him for the demise of co-driver Erin Michael Anderson, 39.

Anderson was discovered useless from knife wounds round 9 a.m. on the morning of August 26 on an I-5 off ramp close to Newman, California.

Forrest was arrested with out incident at a Love’s truck cease in Santa Nella about an hour after Anderson’s physique was found, allegedly telling the arresting officers, “Yeah, it’s me you’re in search of.”

Forrest has since asserted that he acted in self-defense.

Reporting from the Modesto Bee on the listening to gives new perception into the occasions that led as much as the deadly stabbing.

In keeping with the outlet, issues have been tense between the 2 truckers, who have been on the ultimate day of a six day route, once they have been contacted by California Freeway Patrol (CHP) Officer Marco Rivera.

Rivera mentioned that the 2 had been arguing about the way in which that Forrest had parked at a gasoline station for about an hour by the point that he pulled their truck over for rushing round 8:25 a.m. on August 26.

Rivera tried to mediate by providing to move one of many co-drivers to a truck cease, however they refused. Rivera testified that he noticed Forrest standing outdoors of the truck whereas Anderson threw gadgets out of the truck, however that each males finally acquired again within the semi and drove off.

Rivera instructed the courtroom that he additionally drove away, touring 5 miles south to the Stuhr Highway exit on I-5. There, he stopped due to a crowd of bystanders and noticed Anderson’s physique.

CHP Detective Octavio Martinez additionally testified that Forrest instructed him that the argument between the truckers turned bodily after Anderson opened the passenger facet door by reaching over Forrest. Forrest then says he tried to seize the keys from the ignition. Forrest alleged that Anderson tried to push him out of the truck, then began punching him within the facet of the pinnacle. Forrest alleged that it was at this level that he stabbed Anderson with a pocketknife.

The 2 males allegedly fell out of the truck, with Anderson touchdown on high of Forrest. Forrest mentioned that he stabbed Anderson once more. Forrest instructed police that he then acquired again within the truck and drove off, leaving Anderson on the bottom.

The Modesto Bee studies that two knives have been later present in Forrest’s possession. No weapons have been present in Anderson’s possession.