Bridge Tragedy Trial: Both Sides Rest Their Case

Alabama Bayou La Batre Lam Luong's attorneys did not present a single witness. Closing arguments begin Thursday morning.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Wed, March 18, 2009 - 2:07 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, March 18, 2009 - 5:17 pm CST

Closing arguments begin Thursday morning in the Lam Luong capital murder trial.

Prosecutors wrapped up their case just after 2:30 p.m. The defense then rested without presenting a single witness.

Luong is accused of throwing his four young children off the Dauphin Island Bridge last year.

During Wednesday's emotional testimony, jurors heard about the search for the bodies. They even saw graphic video of some of the kids floating in the water. Commercial fisherman Ricky Brown says he was recording the rough weather off the coast of Venice, Louisiana when he spotted Hannah's body bobbing in the Gulf of Mexico.

The jury also heard from two Mobile County duck hunters - John J. Sprinkle and Leon Ladnier - and from Mississippi Marine Officer Scott
Chatom, who found the bodies of the other three children.

Luong looked down and away from overhead screens when jurors viewed photographs of the children taken at watery sites where they were found.

The trial began Monday. Prosecutors rested the state's case after forensics testimony about autopsies on the four children.

Defense attorney Arthur Powell said he could not discuss the decision to not call any witnesses. Luong also declined to testify when Judge Charles Graddick
gave him that opportunity.

If convicted, Luong could be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. But the judge isn't bound by the jury's recommendation and an appeal is automatic.

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