Jurors are set to hear final arguments in the case of a man charged with killing a 19-year-old University of New Hampshire student.
They could begin deliberating first-degree murder and other charges against 31-year-old Seth Mazzaglia as early as Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Mazzaglia strangled and raped Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott of Westborough, Massachusetts Oct. 9, 2012 after she rebuffed his sexual advances.
Mazzaglia’s lawyers contend his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Kathryn McDonough, suffocated Marriott during rough sex involving restraints. They say she later blamed Mazzaglia in a deal to reduce her prison exposure.
McDonough testified for 10 days. Mazzaglia’s fate hinges largely on whether jurors believe her.
McDonough is serving 1-1/2 to 3 years for witness tampering, hindering the prosecution and conspiracy.
Jurors heard testimony over the course of 19 days.