Closing Arguments Friday In Duncan Case

BOISE — In a case that was anticipated to take up to four weeks federal prosecutors wrapped up their case against Joseph Duncan in less than seven days.

Duncan, on the other hand, wrapped up his defense in less than five minutes.

Federal prosecutors rested their case just before 1 p.m. Thursday against Joseph Duncan after nearly four days of testimony from dozens of witnesses and several videos including a near snuff film where Duncan nearly tortures 9-year-old Dylan Groene to death
.

After prosecutors rested surprisingly Duncan decided to call one witness to the stand. Himself.

“I have no statement prepared I was just intending to sit and answer any questions the government may have,” Duncan said after being sworn in.

Judge Edward Lodge asked Duncan if he had any questions for himself which Duncan did not. Judge Lodge if he was calling any witnesses for himself and Duncan said he wasn’t.

Prosecutors did not cross-examine Duncan and then shortly after 1 p.m. Spokane Time Judge Lodge adjourned court for the day.

Closing arguments in the sentencing hearing will begin Friday morning at 8 a.m. (9 a.m. in Boise) followed by jury deliberations.

NOTE: For more information on the history of this case please see both our
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as well as our
extensive video archives.