Wesley Earnest trial continues

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A former Chesapeake assistant principal on trial for murder took the stand in his own defense Thursday in Bedford County.

Wesley Earnest, who worked for Great Bridge High School, is on trial for the 2007 shooting death of his estranged wife, Jocelyn.

Prosecutors allege Earnest killed Jocelyn, then made it look like a suicide.

Wesley Earnest answered questions about his wife Jocelyn and her death for about two and a half hours.
Earnest said it was Jocelyn who first caused strain in their marriage. "There was no weekend for her. Just hour after hour of working. That took its toll on us," he said in court.

According to Earnest there was an eventual lack of affection. "She just didn't seem to have it in her nature as far as the affection and demonstrating that love. I know she loved me, but as far as demonstrating it. As far as intimacy issues?" he said.

Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Krantz described Wesley Earnest as a man alienated, humiliated and stalked by his estranged wife.

"She's just shunning you. She's shunning you," Krantz said on cross-examination.
In an attempt to further establish a motive to kill, Krantz asked earnest about his money troubles, and Jocelyn's willingness to help pay the bills.
"It left you in 2007 holding the bag," Krantz said to Earnest.

The jury will decide if Wesley Earnest was holding the gun.
The defense will continue to call witnesses when court resumes Friday morning.

Last week, a medical examiner and forensic scientist told jurors the evidence doesn't support a suicide theory. A computer forensic expert testified there is no indication the suicide note was written from Jocelyn's computer.

The Earnests were going through a divorce, but the papers were never finalized.