During the closing argument on Tuesday, the prosecutor emphasized the abundance of evidence against the defendant, Jose Ibarra. The prosecutor, Sheila Ross, asserted that the evidence presented during the trial was compelling and sufficient to find Ibarra guilty of the charges he is facing.
Ross specifically pointed to the testimony of a forensic expert who linked DNA evidence found under the victim's fingernails to Ibarra's genetic profile. This crucial piece of evidence directly implicated Ibarra in the crime and provided a strong link to the victim, Laken Riley.
Furthermore, Ross highlighted the physical evidence that indicated a struggle between Riley and Ibarra. She mentioned that Riley's defensive wounds, particularly the scratches on Ibarra, were a clear indication of her resistance against the attacker.
The prosecutor argued that the evidence clearly pointed to Ibarra as the perpetrator of the crime, stating that Riley's refusal to be a victim of assault ultimately led to her tragic death. Ross emphasized that the case against Ibarra was solid and that the evidence spoke volumes about his guilt.
The judge presiding over the case will now have to weigh the evidence presented during the trial to determine Ibarra's fate. With the prosecutor's strong closing argument and the compelling evidence put forth, the decision rests in the hands of the court.