Jurors in Faith Hedgepeth murder trial could deliberate soon after defense rests, calls no witnesses

DURHAM, N.C. -- In a significant turn in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial, the defense rested its case Wednesday without presenting evidence or calling a single witness, despite indicating earlier this week that it planned to put on a defense case.

On Monday, defense attorneys told the court they expected to present evidence. But after prosecutors rested Wednesday, the defense also rested without calling any witnesses.

Before the defense rested, Miguel Salguero-Olivares told the judge he would not testify in his own defense.

Several jurors appeared surprised when defense attorneys announced in court that they would rest without presenting evidence or calling witnesses.

After resting, defense attorney James Rainsford asked the judge to dismiss all charges against Salguero-Olivares, arguing that the state had failed to meet its burden of proof.

Prosecutors opposed the motion, and the judge denied the request.

The developments bring the weeks-long trial one step closer to a conclusion and clear the way for closing arguments.

Jurors have heard testimony from investigators, forensic experts, friends, family members and others connected to the death of Hedgepeth, a University of North Carolina student who was found dead inside her Chapel Hill apartment in September 2012.

Salguero-Olivares is charged with first-degree murder in Hedgepeth's death. Prosecutors argue DNA evidence links him to the crime, while defense attorneys have challenged the state's investigation and evidence.

With both sides now resting, the trial is expected to move to closing arguments before the case is handed to jurors for deliberations.