Legal News

Closing arguments in Alcala trial

By Richard Binder

After more than a month of testimony, closing arguments have begun in the Rodney Alcala trial.

Prosecutor Matt Murphy told jurors today to use their common sense in finding 66-year-old Rodney Alcala guilty. He also begged the jury to convict Alcala in the death of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, pointing out it was the only charge for which he offered a defense.

Alcala has been acting as his own defense attorney during the trial. He cross-examined Samsoe's mother, questioned former prosecutors and police detectives, and even quizzed himself when he took the stand in his own defense. He is expected to give his own closing statement later on today.

Alcala has been sentenced to death twice for the murder of Samsoe, and both convictions were overturned. This marks the first time he has been tried for the murders of four other women between 1977 and 1979.

Full story at LATimes.com.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on February 22, 2010 (boomark / email).