DALLAS -- The third day of testimony in the Deanna Cook murder trial is focusing on the history of abuse between her and her ex-husband.
A Balch Springs police officer testified Wednesday about a 2009 assault in which defendant Delvecchio Patrick broke down a door and strangled Deanna Cook, while threatening her with a knife.
A witness to the 2009 attack says Patrick was angry because Cook wasn't answering her phone.
A neighbor later testified about a 2010 incident where Cook pounded on her door in her bra and underwear, saying "He's trying to get me - open the door!"
Cook was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for stabbing Patrick in that attack. The case went to trial but Cook was found Not Guilty.
Patrick is accused of choking and drowning his ex-wife while she was on the phone with 911 in August 2012.
Defense attorneys are trying to show that Cook was aggressive and often instigated fights between the couple.
