HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The murder trial of Issiah Ross is back in session on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The trial started on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and has moved rapidly.
Ross is charged in the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark in Orange County. He is accused of murdering the two teens in September 2022. He was 17 when he allegedly committed the crime; however, he is being tried as an adult.
He has pleaded not guilty. Ross rejected a plea bargain offer on Monday, Jan. 12.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Ross took the stand and testified in his own defense.
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For Lyric Woods: The jury will need to decide if Issiah Ross is guilty or not guilty of first-degree murder.
For Devin Clark: The jury will need to decide if Issiah Ross is guilty or not guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or voluntary manslaughter.
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The defense and prosecution wrapped up their closing arguments around 3:10 p.m. Thursday. The court took a 15-minute recess and returned.
The judge then started giving them their instructions.
Prosecution is presenting its closing arguments.
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The judge is finalizing jury instructions with both attorneys, setting the stage for the jury to deliberate and reach a verdict.
In Ross's testimony this morning, he claimed he did not shoot Lyric and was unaware that Devin had a gun when they met that night. Ross said Devin shot Lyric as they exited the backseat of the car.
This comes after Ross testified this morning, claiming he did not shoot Lyric Woods and was unaware that Devin had a gun when they met late at night. According to Ross, Devin shot Lyric after they exited the backseat of the car.
Ross also stated that Devin pointed the gun at him, prompting him to act in self-defense. Defense sought to dismiss the charges after his testimony, but the judge denied the motion, allowing the case to proceed to the jury.
The prosecution will not offer a rebuttal, with closing arguments and the judge's final instructions to the jury expected soon.
There is a recess until 1:30 p.m. Both attorneys will be ready to go with closing arguments. Defense is expected to go first.
