Kermit Gosnell Murder Trial Update: Defense closes, accuses prosecutors of "extraordinary hype"

(CBS) - In a closing argument Monday, a defense attorney for Dr. Kermit Gosnell accused city prosecutors of  "the most extraordinary hype and exaggeration in the history of the justice system," reports Philly.com.

The 72-year-old doctor is charged with killing four babies after they were born alive at his West Philadelphia clinic, which reportedly catered to poor, desperate women and teens with late-term pregnancies.

The trial judge last week dismissed charges involving three other babies, apparently finding the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence they were viable, born alive and then killed.

Gosnell also is charged in the 2009 overdose death of a 41-year-old abortion patient.

Gosnell's attorney, Jack McMahon, reportedly showed the Common Pleas Court jury photos of Gosnell's Women's Medical Society in West Philadelphia, arguing that none showed the "house of horrors" described by prosecutors.

McMahon argued Gosnell has been the subject of a "rush to judgment" by the news media, reports Philly.com.

Assistant District Attorney Edward Cameron was reportedly set to make his closing arguments to the jury Monday afternoon.

Gosnell decided Wednesday not to testify or call witnesses at his capital murder trial. If the jury finds Gosnell guilty, they would begin hearing evidence to determine whether he should serve life in prison without the possibility of parole, or be subject to the death penalty.

Complete coverage of the Kermit Gosnell murder trial on Crimesider