OHP trooper recounts final minutes of colleague's life

<br>(Sallisaw-AP) -- An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper recounts the final minutes of the life of his colleague during a Sallisaw murder trial. <br><br>Trooper John Hamilton testified yesterday that he

Saturday, September 28th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Sallisaw-AP) -- An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper recounts the final minutes of the life of his colleague during a Sallisaw murder trial.

Trooper John Hamilton testified yesterday that he and trooper David ``Rocky'' Eales were in the lead vehicle of a caravan trying to serve a warrant at Kenneth Barrett's[pictured] residence.

Barrett is charged with first-degree murder in Eales' September 24th, 1999, killing.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Hamilton says gunfire hit the windshield after he and Eales crossed a ditch near Barrett's cabin.

When Hamilton got out of the truck, he found Eales bleeding and face-down at the rear of the Ford Bronco, unable to speak.

Eales was shot three times and died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

The trial continues next week.