R. Kelly Trial Day 10: The Defense Rests, Prosecution To Call Rebuttal Witnesses
Jun 10,2008 00:00
by
admin
R. Kelly's defense team rested its case today, after just two days of testimony for their client. The jury will not get to hear from the alleged victim or R. Kelly, both of whom have not taken the stand.According to the Chicago Tribune, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan dismissed the jury and informed them that if all goes as planned, closing arguments will be heard on Thursday.
As reported last week, the defense caught a break as video forensic expert Charles Palm told jurors that the black mark on the lower back of the man on the sex tape in question is not a mole but a result of video distortion. As the prosecution pointed out, Kelly's lower back has a mole.
He also said the sex tape at the heart of the trial could have been manipulated in a matter of months.
Palm's testimony directly contradicted that of a forensic expert for the prosecution, Grant Fredericks, who testified it could be costly and timely - taking up to years to alter the video.
In addition, defense investigators testified last week that they were told by at least one of the prosecution's witnesses who identified the alleged victim, that she was actually not sure of her ID.
Following the jury's dismissal today the judge began hearings for several motions in the case. Testimony will resume tomorrow as the prosecution is expected to call two rebuttal witnesses to the stand.
Kelly faces 14 counts of videotaping, producing, or soliciting child pornography. He pled innocent to all charges and if convicted could face up to 15 years in prison.
Stay tuned to as the story develops.