Prosecutors: Deputy killer confessed in texts

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Prosecutors say a man accused of killing a Clayton County deputy confessed shortly after the crime.

Channel 2's Tom Jones went to a Clayton County court where opening statements in the suspect's trial began Tuesday.

Jonathan Bun is charged with killing Deputy Rick Daly. Daly, 55, was assisting the fugitive squad in serving a robbery arrest warrant against Bun when he was shot to death in Riverdale. Daly was a 25-year veteran of law enforcement and had previously worked for the Clayton County Police Department.

Channel 2 Action News was the only TV station to get video of Bun being taken into custody after a massive manhunt in July.

In court, prosecutors told jurors Bun killed a real-life hero and showed text messages Bun sent to his girlfriend after the shooting.

One text read, "I just shot at a police. My time ends here. I love you. Make sure the next guy treats you well."

The defense opted not to present an opening statement, but Bun has pleaded not guilty. His friend, who was in the driver's seat when Daly approached them, said he warned Bun.

"I was scared, and I was just nervous and that's why I told him, 'Don't do anything stupid,'" Tuan Nguyen said.

Prosecutors said Bun shot Daly twice during the traffic stop.

"He was already outside and everything just happened. I hear gunshots and everything just went crazy," Nguyen said.

Daly's partner, Minh Doan, testified about the moments before his death. Doan said he tried to comfort Daly while they waited for emergency crews.

"I would talk to him. I would say, 'Daly, I'm here,'" Doan said.

Daly's wife was in tears during the testimony.

"He looked at me. He responded with his eyes, but he never talked to me," Doan said.

Doan said he ducked as Bun also aimed for him, but the gun jammed.

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