Defense rests case without witnesses

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Burns has denied a request by the attorneys representing Ali Mohamed Mohamud to have the jury consider a lesser charge in the murder of the man’s stepson 10-year-old Abdifatah Mohamud.

The prosecution and defense rested their cases Wednesday afternoon, in Ali Mohamed Mohamud's murder trial. The defense did not call a single witness to the stand. Attorneys will deliver their closing arguments Thursday, before the jury is charged.

Very disturbing testimony Wednesday morning, so disturbing that Abdi’s mother chose to leave the courtroom when autopsy photographs of her son were about to be shown to the jury. You can see the pain on her face outside the courtroom, in the included photo.

Erie County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Diane Vertes told the jury the 10-year-old boy died of a massive beating, and had been stabbed, strangled and nearly drowned leading up to his violent death.

Earlier, the jury was shown a blood-stained knife and rolling pin taken from the crime scene at 30 Guilford Street on Buffalo’s east side. Mohamed Mohamud showed no emotion as the cause of Abdi’s death was described in great detail.

On Monday, Prosecutor John Feroleto said, “Twenty five injuries to arms and hands, at least 20 distinct injuries to his thighs and legs, at least eight distinct injuries to his torso, including broken ribs and damage to internal organs, at least 11 distinct injuries to the head including the fracture of Abdifatah’s skull.”

Also on Monday, Defense Attorney Lana Tupchik said, “There can be no speculation in this criminal case until you hear all of the evidence, all of the rules and all law.”

Prosecutors say that the boy was killed by his stepfather, evidence has been introduced that Ali Mohamed Mohamud had confessed to the police, his wife and his boss at the Buffalo News, where Ali was a security guard. Prosecutors say Mohamud had told them where to find the evidence in the beating death of his stepson.

If found guilty, Ali Mohamed Mohamud could face a minimum sentence of 15 years to life or a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.