Closing arguments are done in the Erica Bell murder trial, and Judge Christopher Ciaccio says he’ll deliver his verdict next Friday at 10:00 a.m. — a week from tomorrow.
The defense case concluded with testimony supporting Bell’s claim she was a victim of domestic violence while living last year with boyfriend Michael Stagles. The testimony came from a former boyfriend, Frank Cerrito, who says he saw Erica 6 to 8 times during the summer and fall last year. He said she had bruises and cigarette burns, and she told him Stagles caused the injuries.
Bell testified this week it was Stagles who abused and caused the death of three-year-old Brook Stagles. She said she confessed to avoid more abuse from him.
But the prosecution in its summation said there’s no conclusion to be reached except that Bell is guilty of depraved indifference murder. The prosecution says Bell inflicted the injuries that eventually killed Brook Stagles, and repeatedly tried to stop others from getting her to a doctor.