Bank Slayings

By: Associated Press

Updated: Tue 3:00 PM, Dec 16, 2003

One of two employees who survived the deadly shooting of five people inside a Norfolk bank in September 2002 says the first shot she heard that day was fired by a man who had walked into the office of assistant bank manager Lola Elwood.

Prosecutors claim Elwood was killed by Jorge Galindo. He is one of four men facing five counts of first-degree murder and other counts in the bank deaths.

Auditor Susan Staehr of Lincoln testified against Galindo in his Madison County District Court trial Monday. Her report of the first shot contradicted Galindo's statement to an FBI agent after his arrest.

The FBI agent earlier testified that Galindo had said fellow suspect Jose Sandoval started firing first. Sandoval has been convicted of killing three of the bank victims.

Galindo also told the agent his handgun accidentally fired, striking Elwood but evidence indicated she was shot three times.

Also convicted in the case was Erick Vela. Awaiting trial is Gabriel Rodriguez.

Testimony in the trial continued today with prosecutors wrapping up their case.

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