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Bates Trial: Day 7, defense rests case

Posted at 3:06 PM, Apr 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-26 17:45:29-04

TULSA - The seventh day of the trial for the man accused of second degree manslaughter, Robert Bates, concluded Tuesday after the defense rested.

After five days of testimony, the defense rested. Now the state is calling additional rebuttal witnesses. Robert Bates told the judge Tuesday that he will not testify in the case.

When Bates was asked if he was satisfied with his defense he said, "Absolutely, I'm tickled to death."

Before the defense rested, Bates' attorney, Clark Brewster, called two medical expert witnesses. The first, Dr. Mark Brandenburg, said the medical examiner's cause of death is incorrect. Brandenburg says a heart attack, not a gunshot wound led to the death of Eric Harris.

The defense also called Dr. James Higgins, an expert in cardiology, to the stand. Higgins says blockage and other complications caused the death of Harris.

RELATED: Day 1: Trial for ex-reserve deputy who fatally shot unarmed man, Robert Bates, begins | MORE on TCSO investigation | Bates Trial: Day 2, jury selection continues | Bates Trial: Day 3, jury seated; trial to begin | Bates Trial: Day 4, witness testimony starts | Bates Trial: Day 5, witnesses cont. testimony

Bates is accused of shooting an unarmed suspect named Eric Harris during an undercover operation. Documents show that Bates claimed he was reaching for his Taser when he allegedly shot Harris.