COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) — A Coos County, Ore., prosecutor has told jurors in the Nicholas McGuffin murder trial that the defendant is an arrogant killer whose relationship with 15-year-old Leah Freeman led him to take her life in the summer of 2000. In its closing argument Monday, the defense said the state has no evidence against McGuffin and pursued him rather than finding the real killer.
Jurors deliberated briefly Monday afternoon before adjourning for the evening.
Now 29, McGuffin was 18 at the time of Freeman’s death. She vanished on June 28, 2000, after leaving a girlfriend’s house. Her decomposed body was found on Aug. 3, 2000.
Coos County District Attorney Paul Fraser told jurors the couple’s relationship was troubled. He contends it erupted into violence.
Defense lawyer Shaun McCrea painted a story of star-crossed lovers. She told jurors there is no DNA evidence that connects McGuffin to the crime.
