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In other news...
Closing arguments held in talk show murder trial
November 7, 1996Web posted at: 11:55 p.m. EST
PONTIAC, Michigan (CNN) -- A prosecutor told jurors that Jonathan Schmitz should be convicted of first-degree murder because he deliberately planned to murder fellow "Jenny Jones" talk show guest Scott Amedure to avenge a bruised ego.
Schmitz has admitted to shooting Amedure three days after Amedure revealed a crush on Schmitz during a taping of the "Jenny Jones" show. Defense attorney James Burdick said in his closing arguments that prosecutors had ignored evidence of Schmitz' mental instability, which rendered him incapable of planning a murder.
Jurors have heard 15 days of arguments and testimony since opening statements were made October 14. The jury is scheduled to receive its instructions Friday. In addition to first-degree murder, the jury will have the option of finding Schmitz guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter or one misdemeanor charge -- reckless discharge of a firearm causing death.
Related stories:
- Jenny Jones testifies in murder trial - October 31, 1996
- Jenny Jones tape shown during murder trial - October 17, 1996
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