Rape trial goes to jury Monday

Today, trial judge John Gonzales ruled that the case of four teenagers accused of rape, attempted murder, maim and robbery do have a case to answer. Yesterday both defence counsels and the prosecution put forward arguments for and against a “no case submission”. However, Gonzales told the nine-member jury that after listening and examining the testimony of Christian Cowo and Raul Pelayo Jr., coupled with other evidence, a properly directed jury can render a verdict. Because the “no case submission” was overturned, the trial continued with the four accused making separate dock statements as to what happened on May seventh, 2000. Closing arguments have been scheduled for Monday with the case expected to go to the jury the same day.