Shaver On Trial

Billy Joe Shaver, 70, is facing aggravated assault charges in a Waco, Texas, courtroom. Shaver is charged with shooting a man at a Lorena bar in 2007.

A police affidavit says Shaver shot Billy Bryant Coker, injuring Coker in the cheek. Shaver claims self-defense, maintaining Coker had a knife. Witnesses, however, say the attack was unprovoked; Shaver approached Coker outside Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon, asked, “Where do you want it,” shot Coker and drove away.

The incident began after Shaver and his wife, Wanda, learned Coker was related to Wanda’s previous husband.

The trial is expected to run five days. Shaver is scheduled to play a concert April 9.