Opening arguments were presented by District Attorney Will Ramsay in Eighth Judicial District Court as a Hopkins County jury hears testimony in the trial focused on the death of Joshua Paul Cowling. Aaron Tyler Crum, 26, of Sulphur Springs is being tried for the Felony 1 Murder of Cowling. The incident took place February 24th of this year at a residence on Pampa Street. Crum has been in Hopkins County Jail since his arrest at the scene. Crum is being represented by former District Attorney Martin Braddy. Braddy chose to withhold opening remarks and use the time later in the case.
In his remarks Ramsay described the events that led to the alleged murder of Cowling. He noted that Cowling’s sister was present at the party and was standing only steps away from Crum when a 9mm pistol was discharged a Cowling fell dead at the scene. Ramsay said the sister called 9-1-1 as soon as the shot was fired. He noted that several had been locked out of the house and were seeking to regain entrance to retrieve personal items such as a purse and a jacket. However, Crum was not responding to knocks at the door, phone calls, or texts. Ramsay said the sliding glass door that was locked between the patio and room where the party had been broke at the knock of Cowling and that Cowling was apologizing to Crum and offering to pay for the door when the shot was fired.
The first witness called was Sulphur Spring Police Captain Eddie Moon who presented body cam footage from the scene, pictures from the scene, and the alleged weapon used in the incident.
The court took the first recess at 10 a.m. and will resume
testimony following the recess. 
