TULSA, Okla. -- The Michael Bever trial came to a shocking halt Tuesday afternoon when the defense rested after just two witnesses.
The Broken Arrow teen is accused of stabbing six family members and killing five. The Chief Public Defender rested after taking Robert Bever and Broken Arrow's lead detective off the stand. Corbin Brewster said he fought for multiple other witnesses that the judge ultimately ruled were not relevant in this phase of the trial.
"His ability to handle himself under the kind of stress he was in. We heard testimony from Robert that there were threats the night of July 22nd. So we thought that would be important context for the jury," Brewster said.
The 19-year-old faces six charges: five first degree murder counts and one count of assault and battery with intent to kill. On all of those counts, Bever is pleading not guilty.
Closing arguments are expected for Wednesday morning and then the jury will deliberate.
If Michael is found guilty of any of the murder charges there will be a separate sentencing phase. At that point, both sides can bring in additional evidence and witnesses.
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