VAN NUYS : Lawyer Ties Shooting to Rescue Attempt

The attorney representing a North Hollywood man accused of terrorizing three apartment dwellers told a jury Thursday that his client burst into the residence only in the hopes of rescuing his fiance, who had become involved with a group that was operating a forgery ring.

Troyal (Troy) Lee Sims had armed himself with a handgun, but he shot two people in self-defense only after guns were pointed at him, defense attorney John E. Sweeney said during his opening statement.

Sims, a 30-year-old city parking enforcement officer, is on trial for an Aug. 30 assault on the Hesby Street apartment that left two people wounded. He is also charged with kidnaping and raping his girlfriend, who he found in another apartment nearby. He could receive three life sentences if convicted on all charges.

Sweeney told the jury that Sims did not rape the woman, but that they had consensual sex after proclaiming love for each other.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Linda Acaldo acknowledged the couple’s relationship and said that the woman’s circle of friends “were not the finest citizens of the world.”

The prosecutor in her opening statement said Sims shot at one man outside the apartment before forcing his way in and shooting one man and a woman hiding next to a bed.

Sims, who is being held without bail, will testify during the trial, Sweeney said.