Updated 11:30 a.m. Thursday:
After nearly four days, a Riley County jury has found a Manhattan man guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder and Battery. Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson indicates they are very satisfied with the verdict involving Samuel Dartez. Wilkerson adds they are happy for the victim and hope she can move past the life of physical and emotional trauma.
The defense rested its case and closing arguments were heard Wednesday afternoon.
The jury heard from General Surgeon, Hank Doering who treated Stephanie Holden after she was attacked by Dartez in November of 2014.
Doering testified that although Holden’s injuries were severe, they were non-life threatening. Further describing the lacerations that the victim suffered to her face and providing details of a hand wound that required tendon repair.
Following the surgeon’s testimony, the defense rested its case and closing arguments were presented to jurors.
Barry Wilkerson on behalf of the state, presented jurors with the idea that Dartez had intended to kill Holden – while the defense argued that the attack was not intended to result in death and that the facts presented do not support an attempt at pre-meditated murder.
The attack took place on November 13th, 2014.
Dartez and Holden had been in a relationship and share two children. The two had been caught up in conflict in the days leading up to the incident.
You can read more from yesterdays day in court here.
KMAN will have continued coverage as the trial nears its verdict.
