The defense in the Michael Rodrigues rape trial finished its
case this morning without the defendant taking the stand, and a
judge scheduled closing arguments for Monday. From here, jury
instruction preparation is scheduled for today, while defense
attorney Art Cantu noted how visiting Judge Alan Hedegard expects
closing arguments Monday morning. That means it appears the jury
might start deliberations by Monday afternoon.
HOLLISTER
The defense in the Michael Rodrigues rape trial finished its case this morning without the defendant taking the stand, and a judge scheduled closing arguments for Monday.
Rodrigues is accused of raping four women between 1999 and 2007, when a grand jury indicted him on three of the charges before prosecutors added another last year.
Defense attorney Art Cantu wrapped up his case this morning at the San Benito County Courthouse. Rodrigues was not among the witnesses who took the stand in the case.
“We were satisfied,” said Cantu, regarding Rodrigues’ absence from the witness stand. “Now that the case is over, there was no investigation presented to the jury by the prosecution.”
From here, jury instruction preparation is scheduled for today, while Cantu noted how visiting Judge Alan Hedegard expects closing arguments to occur Monday morning. That means it appears the jury might start deliberations by Monday afternoon.
Look back for more on this story. Below is video coverage of opening statements from the trial.
