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Defense Rests In Trial Of Triple Murder Suspect

GREENSBURG (KDKA) - Both sides have rested in Kevin Murphy's triple-murder trial. The judge sent the jury home around noon Thursday so the attorneys could prepare their closing arguments.

Murphy was back on the stand today for cross-examination.

He said his then girlfriend, Susan McGuire, was served with divorce papers the day of the murders. He admitted that he didn't tell police he had a girlfriend during his initial interview with the lead investigator.

"I didn't tell him because I didn't want to get her involved." Murphy said.

District Attorney John Peck also pressed Murphy about why he didn't try help his family members as they lay on the floor of Ferguson Glass Company. Peck asked if it was because he already knew they were dead.

"I was so shook up, I couldn't," Murphy said.

Also taking the stand for the defense were several character witnesses who described Murphy as a law-abiding citizen.

One said Murphy was, "Very peaceful. Very easy going. His whole family is that way."

Prosecutors also called Gregory Muffie to the stand.

He was arrested the day before the murders for selling cocaine, but said he was never aware of a threat to his family.

Defense attorneys said a Crime Stopper tip early in the investigation suggested that Murphy's family had been mistaken for that of Muffie's brother, also named Kevin.

Closings arguments are scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday.

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