Prosecution, Defense Present Closing Arguments On Day 6 Of Rahmael Holt's Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Both sides have rested their case in the trial of the man accused in the fatal shooting of a New Kensington police officer. The jury will now begin deliberating the suspect's fate.
The prosecution rested first thing this morning in the trial of 31-year-old Rahmael Holt, who is charged in the death of Officer Brian Shaw.
#BREAKING: On Day 6, the prosecution just rested its case in the Rahmael Holt trial.
The defense will now present its case for the jury. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/2ejgSgnfK8
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 12, 2019
This is day six of the trial at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
The case was then turned over to the defense.
That's when Holt waived his right to testify and did not take the stand in his own defense. The defense also submitted five photos to show no cut on Holt's right hand. The prosecution's witnesses testified last week that Holt had a bleeding cut, allegedly from the kickback of firing his weapon.
#BREAKING: Rahmael Holt waived his right to testify and will *not take the stand in his own defense. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/zGYN4RfK6W
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 12, 2019
In turn, the Westmoreland County District Attorney argued that there were a few days between the shooting and Holt's arrest.
#NEW: This is the photo defense attorney Tim Dawson showed the jury, claiming it shows no injury to his right hand. DA Peck argued the shooting happened on the 17th and Holt was arrested on the 21st. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/P8Sa6GTICg
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 12, 2019
The defense also rested Tuesday morning.
Both sides then presented closing arguments. The defense told jury to use commonsense, while the prosecution said they have a "mountain of evidence" to consider.
District Attorney John Peck just wrapped up his closing argument saying the jury has a "mountain of evidence," in contrast to defense attorney Tim Dawson saying there is no scientific evidence linking Holt as the shooter. @KDKA
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 12, 2019
The judge charged the jury early Tuesday afternoon and then sent them off to deliberate Holt's fate.
Officer Brian Shaw was gunned down two years ago next week as he tried to pull a vehicle over in Westmoreland County.
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Last week, a forensic DNA scientist with the Pennsylvania State Police told the court she could not match Holt's DNA with what was found in the Jeep Cherokee he was allegedly a passenger in on the night of this shooting.
She told the court that there was insufficient DNA found, even though the seat cushion and door handle were swabbed.
However, swabs used on the steering wheel cover of the Jeep did find sufficient DNA there.
She said the DNA found was a mixture of three individuals, one being the DNA of Tavon Harper.
#BREAKING: The judge just handed the case over to the jury at 1:39 PM. The jury will now deliberate the evidence & testimony in the trial for Rahmael Holt. Stay tuned for a verdict later today on @KDKA pic.twitter.com/dwZOmNZcwm
— MEGHAN SCHILLER (@MeghanKDKA) November 12, 2019
Just before 1:40 p.m. the judge handed the case over to the jury.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
