10:35 State makes final argument.
10:20 Defense begins closing arguments. Defense says there is no excuse for this awful crime, and Craig Wood is going to be held responsible, acknowledges the pain and suffering of Hailey Owens' family. Defense tells jury the only issue is- Is this really a case of a deliberate murder or an impulsive act? Defense argues if Wood wanted to be quiet, a gun wouldn't be the best choice of weapon. He points out no on in Wood's stories is killed. Defense says Wood's window is down when he kidnaps Hailey and knows he was seen. Defense says in years of working in a school, there have never been concerns about Wood having an interest in young girls. They claim Wood's meth use causes long suppressed demons to be unleashed. Defense attorney tells jurors he appreciates their sacrifice this week and tells them to take their time, and they trust and accept their decision.
10:00 Closing arguments begin. Green County prosecutor Dan Patterson argues Craig Wood purposely killed Hailey Owens, that he believed he had to get rid of her because he sexually abused her. State lays out timeline of events. State argue Wood deliberately washed murder scene and Hailey to get rid of evidence, unloads and hides weapon. State says Wood may not have worn a disguise, but changed clothes at least twice after school, walked calmly through Walmart, avoiding contact with people by using self-checkout. State says Wood chose a secluded location to dispose of Hailey's clothes, first scoping out the dumpster, then coming back to dispose of clothes. Claims Wood likely planned to use duct tape to seal storage tub containing Hailey's body. Says Wood threw Hailey's phone far into a yard 9 houses down. State says Wood previously wrote about sexual abuse that Hailey's injuries show evidence of, including ligature injuries to wrists. State says Wood deliberately chose the basement as a murder scene, where he had a hose, could hide the body, and purposely chose the gun and his method of execution. Patterson says Wood packaged Hailey's body for disposal and treated her like trash.
9:50 Judge reads instructions to the jury. They must choose between first degree murder, second degree murder and first degree involuntary manslaughter. Jurors must agree the state proved every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
9:15 short recess as jury instructions are prepared. The courtroom is packed today. Family members of both Craig Wood and Hailey Owens are present, including Hailey's mother and Wood's parents.
8:50 Court is in session. Defense argues for a motion against a voluntary intoxication statute in jury instructions, saying state should waive death penalty if statute is used. State cites other capital cases where the statute is used. Defense wants the state to choose between submitting the Voluntary Intoxication Instruction or Proceeding as a Death Case. Motion is denied. Judge goes over other jury instructions.
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