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Anne Pressly's mother took the stand Wednesday, giving emotional testimony in day three of Curtis Vance's capital murder trial. The first person to find 26-year -old Anne Pressly badly beaten, is the person the prosecution says was her best friend, her mother, Patti Cannady. She called Pressly several times to wake her up for her early morning shift before going to check on her daughter. When she found her daughter, she said, "It was horrific. I couldn't imagine what I was seeing… I couldn't recognize my own daughter." She says she told her, "Momma's here, Momma's here" and says she is still in shock from the ordeal.
Another witness, sexual assault nurse examiner, Carla Jackson, took the stand saying Pressly suffered trauma all over her body. Jackson stated the wounds consisted of "massive massive head trauma," which ultimately caused her death.
The man who the prosecution says is responsible, 29-year-old Curtis Vance, is being charged with capital murder. They say DNA found at the crime scene and his police confessions make him guilty.
Defense attorneys disagree. They argue the police work is faulty and the pressure for authorities to make an arrest made them rush to an innocent Vance.
Family and friends filled the courtroom on Wednesday. Vance's family members are witnesses and are not allowed to speak to the media. Pressly's friends could and remember her spirit.
(Danny Joe Crawford, Friend of Anne Pressly) "Her friends being there was a true testament to how loved she was."
Court wrapped up around 5:30 Wednesday evening. Jurors were told to go home, not watch news or read the newspaper, and be back in court at 9:30 AM Thursday.
The state is seeking a death penalty sentence. It is still unclear if Vance will take the stand. So far 5 witnesses including an ER doctor, nurse, and police officers have taken the stand.
