Closing Arguments Set in Lunsford Trial

Closing arguments are scheduled Wednesday in the murder trial of John Evander Couey after the defense suddenly rested its case after calling only one witness. The defense's only witness was a psychologist who testified that Couey suffers from mental retardation and mental illness.

The prosecution rested its case earlier Tuesday after the lead investigator in the case testified that Couey told him that he hoped to meet nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford in heaven so that he could apologize to her.

"He said he had to forgive himself before God could forgive him, and that someday he would see Jessica Lunsford in heaven and he would apologize to her," said Detective Gary Atchison.

Also Tuesday, jailers told the jury that Couey volunteered details about the kidnapping, rape and murder of Lunsford while incarcerated. The prosecution had to use these admissions in their case, because Couey's official confession was ruled inadmissible by the judge.

Citrus County jail guard John Read testified that Couey told him that he didn't intend to kill Jessica but "panicked" as police began searching the neighborhood with dogs. Read said Couey told him that he put Jessica into trash bags and buried her alive in his yard.

"He said he could not bring himself to directly kill her by his own hands," Read said.

Also Tuesday, Jail guard Nathalia Windham testified that Couey told her he got Jessica into the garbage bags by telling her he was taking her back home.

Background:
The Jessica Lunsford Case
The Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation

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See Also:
Prosecution & Defense Rest in Lunsford Murder Trial
Prosecutors Wrap Case Against John Couey