The testimony phase in what may be the longest-running Juneau trial in recent memory may be winding down.
Superior Judge Philip Pallenberg made a bold prediction to jurors that they may begin deliberations as soon as Thursday in the David Paul homicide case.
One of the last major witnesses took the stand on Wednesday for the defense. But public defender Eric Hedland may have one more witness lined up before he rests his case. It’s also unclear whether Paul himself will testify on his own behalf. Then, the defense and prosecution will present closing arguments before the case goes to the jury.
Wednesday marked the seventeenth day of the trial in which Paul is accused of abusing and causing the death of a four-month old baby, Rian Orr.
Paul’s defense presented portions of recorded phone calls with the baby’s mother Jaki Orr while he was jailed at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. The selected clips are intended to show his state of mind in allegedly admitting to investigators that he accidentally dropped the baby.
A Nevada psychology professor also testified on Wednesday about how police interrogation techniques are designed to elicit an eventual response from someone, regardless if they are guilty or innocent.
(Editor’s note: Name of attorney has been corrected.)
