Closing Arguments Monday In Gables High Stabbing Trial
MIAMI (CBS4) – Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday in the trial of a Coral Gables High student accused of stabbing a classmate, Juan Carlos Rivera, to death in 2009.
On Friday, attorneys for Andy Rodriguez rested their case after Judge Dava Tunis ruled the jury would not hear testimony of other students regarding Rivera's previous bully-type behavior.
Judge Tunis said the proposed testimony was irrelevant because there's no evidence Rodriguez knew of it and it "does not go to his state of mind" at the time of the alleged crime.
The defense also sought to recall Rivera's girlfriend to the stand who would testify she stopped giving Rivera rides to school because of his propensity for confrontations. Judge Tunis rejected that motion as well.
On Thursday a forensic pathology expert boosted the defense's claim that Rodriguez acted in self defense.
Dr. John Marraccini, former Chief Medical Examiner for Palm Beach County, testified that forensic evidence and school security video from the September, 2009 incident supported Rodriguez's claim that he was acting in self-defense when he fatally stabbed Rivera in a school hallway.
Marracini said that blood spatter found on the floor and low on the wall of the hallway is consistent with Rodriguez's statement to police that Rivera had him pinned from behind, on the floor, and was applying a choke hold when he drew a knife from his pocket and lashed out.
Rivera was stabbed twice in the back, once in the side, and twice in the chest with the fatal wound perforated his heart.
Dr. Marracini also testified that security video from after the stabbing showed Rivera continuing to be the aggressor, chasing Rodriguez into a school courtyard.
The state maintains Rodriguez killed Rivera in a jealous rage after his former girlfriend, Daimilsis Salgado, befriended him.
Rodriguez faces life in prison if convicted.
