Howard's Rock Trial: Defense closing argument |
Micah Rogers, 20, of Pisgah Forest, was in court again today after being accused of vandalizing iconic Howard's Rock.
Rogers' defense attorney just finished up a 1 hour and 30-minute closing argument. Eppes attempted to cast reasonable doubt by disputing the testimony of Xavia Winn - the only eyewitness testifying for the prosecution. Winn testified that he was with Rogers the night of the alleged vandalism and saw Rogers scale the fence of Death Valley. Winn also stated that he heard glass breaking and that Rogers stood in the middle of the road and danced and said, "I've got what I want. I got a piece of rock." Eppes said that Winn never saw a hammer or the piece of the stone. The other point of contention for Eppes was that Clemson never looked at any other suspects or interviewed any of the construction workers that were working in Death Valley. Eppes also disputed the value of Howard’s Rock, saying it has emotional value but otherwise, it’s “common as dirt.” Assistant Solicitor Baker Cleveland's closing argument has begun. Asst. Solicitor Cleveland on the value of Howard’s Rock,"Louvre would never sell the Mona Lisa, but does that mean it doesn't have value?" Cleveland said Rogers wanted to break off a piece of Howard’s Rock and he did it. Cleveland finished his closing argument in 35 mins by saying, “We know Rogers didn’t leave the rock there. He took it. He bragged about it." Closing arguments for both sides are complete and the Howard’s Rock Vandalism case has been handed over to the jury. Jury has left the court room. Lunch had been provided for them TigerNet was mentioned six times in first ten minutes of prosecution's closing statement Rogers family waits outside court room as jury deliberates pic.twitter.com/bGcJu9WhK8 The jury was instructed they had two options on the charge of Grand Larceny: Guilty of Grand larceny10k or more. Or not guilty. Jury was instructed they had 3 options on the charge of malicious injury: Guilty of MI 10k or more.... ...OR Guilty of malicious damage injury 2k or less, or not guilty
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