Jasper - Defence lawyers yesterday opened and quickly closed their presentation on behalf of John King, one of three men charged in the murder last June 7th of James Byrd, a ritual racist killing which shocked the US. A prosecution witness had earlier described the victim's agony, establishing that he was conscious as he was dragged by a pick-up truck, until his head was torn off.
Closing arguments by the prosecution and defence were set for today and scheduled to conclude by 5 p.m. (Irish time). The jury - eleven whites and one black - are expected to reach their decision in a day or two.