Trial begins for Fort Carson soldier charged in love triangle murder

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Opening statements in the trial of a Fort Carson soldier accused in a 2018 love triangle murder started on Wednesday.

Isaiah Towns, 20, is charged with 2nd degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing another Fort Carson soldier, after prosecutors say he found his wife and that soldier half naked together.

Shakir Cook-Troynel, 23, died from a gunshot to the chest in the early morning hours on Nov. 18, 2018.

In the 911 call played in court on Wednesday, Towns says someone broke into his apartment on S Murray Boulevard, shot a man and left. But he gives the wrong street number at first.

The call reveals Towns later confirms the correct address as the Stratus Apartments.

Prosecutors say it took hours before Towns admitted to interrogators that he was the one who shot Troynel.

The defense argued the shooting was accidental, saying, "it wasn't supposed to happen like this. This was supposed to be a scare tactic."

Troynel and Towns’ wife had a previous relationship, and a child together.

Investigators say Towns’ wife asked him for a divorce the morning of the shooting - one month after they got married.

The defense said Towns and Troynel were at the same party on Fort Carson that night.

Town’s lawyers claim a friend told Towns that Troynel said he was leaving to go have sex, so Towns asked that same friend to drive him back to his own apartment, where he found Troynel and his wife undressed.

Towns' lawyers say that's when he pulled out his gun to intimidate Troynel, his wife fought back, grabbed his hand that was holding the gun, and one shot was fired, hitting Troynel.

But prosecutors say Towns was in full control and knew exactly what he was doing when he pulled the trigger.

The trial continues tomorrow. Stay tuned to the KRDO networks for the very latest.