Jurors to hear closing arguments in trial for child's accused killer

TRENTON, New Jersey (CNN) -- Closing arguments are to begin Wednesday in the three-week-old trial of the man accused of killing 7-year-old Megan Kanka, whose case resulted in "Megan's Law."

Jesse Timmendequas, 36, is accused of kidnapping, raping, and killing Megan on July 29, 1994. Timmendequas, a twice-convicted sex offender, was living across the street from the Kanka family, and supposedly lured Megan to his house to see a puppy.

Police testified that Timmendequas admitted sexually assaulting the 70-pound, 4-foot-3-inch girl after he was confronted with autopsy results. Police said he led them to Megan's partially clad body, hidden in a nearby park, the day after she disappeared. He could face the death penalty if convicted of capital murder.

After Megan died, her parents sought laws forcing police to notify communities when previous sex offenders move. Every state requires paroled sex offenders to register with local law enforcement officials; most states require neighborhoods to be notified when a convicted sex offender moves in.

Related stories:

• Bite mark key evidence in 'Megan's Law' trial - May 5, 1997
• Trial begins in death of 'Megan's Law' girl - May 5, 1997
• Accused predator in 'Megan's Law' case goes on trial - May 4, 1997
• Clinton calls for national sex offender registry - June 22, 1996
• Clinton Signs Tougher "Megan's Law" - May 17, 1996
• Tougher "Megan's Law" Would Require Notification - May 8, 1996

Related sites:

• New Jersey Law Network
• Child Sexual Abuse

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