State rests in murder trial

GAINESVILLE - The state has rested in the Hall Superior Court murder trial of Hugo Tepanca, a Gainesville man accused of gunning down another Gainesville man two years ago. A defense witness Thursday traced events that possibly provoked the shooting.

Licia Ernandez testified that the day Jose Vargas died, Tepanca appeared at her home, confronted Vargas and angrily fired a shot, then sped away.

Ernandez, speaking through an interpreter, told the court she and Tepanca were in a sexual relationship for six months, a relationship she wanted to end. She said she knew Tepanca was married with children.

She said Vargas had come to her home to collect money for driving her to work and when Tepanca found Vargas there he grew angry and drew his gun.

She said the murder victim called her and told her Tepanca was chasing him. After the call, she never heard from Vargas again. A short time later, authorities found him shot five times in the front yard of his home.