LEXINGTON, S.C. — Autopsy photos, the crime scene, and firearms were all part of day three of the trial of the killing of Sanaa Amenhotep.
Nicolle Sanchez-Peralta is on trial at the Lexington County Courthouse and is accused of helping kidnap and kill 15-year-old Amenhotep back in 2021.
The prosecution claims the shooting may have been motivated by revenge for a drive-by shooting that took place at the home of Nicolle Sanchez-Peralta's boyfriend, Treveon Nelson. According to prosecutors, the shooter may have been connected to Amenhotep.
The defense asked the jury to keep an open mind in their opening statements and claim that Sanchez- Peralta was physically hurt by Treveon Nelson days after the alleged murder took place. They argue she could be a victim who was forced to participate.
Details of Day 3
Four law enforcement witnesses testified for the third day. The first was a Crime Scene Investigator for the Lexington County Sheriff's Department named Brenda Snelgrove, who says she found more than 20 shell casings around the crime scene belonging to an automatic 380 and a 9 mm Glock.
Investigator Snelgrove says they also found a strip of fake eyelashes, an earring, and a sock that matched the one found on Amenhotep's body.
The victim's body was buried under debris and the blanket Amenhotep reportedly left her home wrapped in on April 5.
Later in the day, ballistics expert Amanda Metz testified and identified which bullets went to which gun investigators recovered. She explained that there was an unknown set of bullets that could have belonged to another gun or multiple guns, and other bullets that were too aged to determine.
The prosecution questioned the possibility of a third gun while the defense asked more about the idea of multiple guns and the weathering on some of the unknown bullets.
Dr. Angelina Phillips, who conducted the autopsy on Amenhotep's body, also testified, saying the victim cause of death was determined as multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and lower body. The examiner also said she found 14 gunshot wounds, but also blunt force trauma on Amenhotep's ribs, face, and chest which she determined to have happened before her death.
The prosecution noted the injuries to her back and her arms as well, saying she seemed to be trying to shield herself from the attack. The defense argued that the four rib fractures could have been from possible revival efforts.
The prosecution has stated the trial will continue will last until next Tuesday.