Today will be the first full day of jury deliberation in the murder trial of a Spirit Lake man. Jesse Wendelsdorf is charged with sexually abusing and beating to death a two-year-old girl, Shelby Duis. Reporter Steve Schwaller says the Defense Attorney called the prosecution’s case “fantasy” in his closing argument yesterday afternoon. Paul Miller said the State has not presented any evidence to directly link Wendelsdorf to Duis’ abuse or injuries. Miller says some of the State’s witnesses changed their testimony to fit what the State needs to get a conviction in the case due to all the attention the case has gained.In his closing argument, County Attorney Edward Bjornstad showed jurors grisly photos from the scene of the girl’s January death.Duis’ mother, Heidi Watkins, is also charged with murder and abuse. She will go to trial next month.
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