The defense objected to an investigating officer's testimony that referenced Andy Torres' background.
A call for a mistrial was denied Tuesday as the state continued its case against an Allentown man accused of murder in a 2012 Phillipsburg homicide.
Andy Torres' defense objected during the morning's testimony when an investigating officer made a quick reference to Torres' background.
Torres, 26, is charged with felony murder, robbery and related charges in the Jan. 5, 2012, shooting of Kismathdas Kasam, a 47-year-old attendant at the BP gas station on Phillipsburg's South Main Street.
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When testimony began last week, there was discussion between defense attorney Michael Priarone, Warren County First Assistant Prosecutor and Judge Robert Reed about what testifying officers could say. Off limits were references to an anonymous tip that allegedly led police to Torres and others charged, and that Torres was initially arrested on a probation warrant.
Last week, the court also reviewed the video and transcript of Torres' police interrogation, redacting references to his background.
Attorneys on both sides downplayed Tuesday's objection when asked for comment and declined to elaborate.
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Tuesday afternoon saw testimony from the owner of the BP station, the owner of a pawn shop where Torres allegedly sold a ring that belonged to Kasam, a New Jersey State Police forensics expert in gunshot residue analysis and the emergency room doctor who treated Kasam at what was then Warren Hospital.
Testimony from another doctor is expected to be heard Wednesday.
Also charged with Torres are Zachary and Alexis Flowers, of Allentown, and David Beagell, of Blakeslee, Pa. Alexis Flowers and Beagell are expected to testify against Torres after pleading guilty to lesser charges under offers made in 2012. Zachary Flowers this month said he would not testify and his plea was revoked.
Testimony began Sept. 21 and was expected to last about a month with 30 to 40 witnesses planned to take the stand.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.