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Kyle Rittenhouse Trial: Defense Rests Its Case, Jury Could Begin Deliberations Monday

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) – Kyle Rittenhouse's defense attorneys rested their case Thursday afternoon, a day after Rittenhouse took the stand in his own defense, with closing arguments and jury deliberations set for Monday.

As the defense wrapped up its case, they focused on how quickly the shootings happened—an attempt to illustrate that Rittenhouse didn't have time to think, just react.

Of all the cell phone video taken on the night of the shootings on Aug. 25, 2020, an expert video analyst hired by the defense focused on a handful of clips to break down the timing of the shootings.

From the moment Rittenhouse is recorded on cell phone video yelling "friendly, friendly" to when he attempts to turn himself into police after shooting three people— killing two of them—it all happens in less three minutes.

It took Rittenhouse less than a second to fire four shots into Jospeh Rosenbaum, according to Dr. John Black's testimony.

"Video has great value, but it is not the perception or experience of the people," he testified.

About 28 seconds after killing Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse was again caught on video running through the streets. He falls moments later, and an unknown man can be seen leaping toward him and kicking him.

"What happened first-- kick to the face by jump kick man or the gunshot by Kyle?" defense attorney Mark Richards asked.

"Based on my analysis, the kick to the face happened prior to the gunshots," Black said.

In a span of roughly six seconds, Rittenhouse fired two shots at the man who jump kicked him, missing him; Anthony Huber swings his skateboard; Rittenhouse shoots Huber in the chest; and then shoots Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm.

From the moment Rittenhouse gets off the ground and walks towards the police line with his arms raised, only 1 minute and 26 seconds elapse.

The prosecution made sure the jury knew just how much Rittenhouse's attorneys paid Black, a little more than $9,000.

Jurors will not be back in court until Monday, getting Friday off as the judge, prosecutors, and defense attorneys hash out jury instructions. Closing arguments and jury instructions will be presented on Monday before the case goes to the jury.

Schroeder gave prosecutors and defense attorneys a maximum of 2 1/2 hours each to present their closing arguments.

 

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