The defense team of homicide suspect Donthe Lucas, who stands accused of the first-degree murder of Kelsie Schelling, was expected to begin presenting its case Monday but instead rested without calling witnesses or presenting additional evidence.
The jury began deliberating Monday morning. The Chieftain will be in the courtroom when a verdict is announced.
Schelling was 21 years old when she drove from her home in Denver to Pueblo to see Lucas on Feb. 4, 2013. She has not been seen or heard from since, and her remains have never been found.
After the defense rested its case, Deputy District Attorney Michelle Chostner outlined the prosecution’s case, which took 13 days to present to the jury before the prosecution rested on Friday.