The closing arguments in the State vs. McIntyre case were presented on April 11, 2025, in Judge Stephanie Boyd's courtroom at the 187th District Court in Texas. The discussions centered around the evidence and the burden of proof required for a conviction.
The defense emphasized the importance of reasonable doubt, questioning whether the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to meet this standard. Key points included the presence of a single 9mm firearm linked to the case, which was seized from the defendant, Jalen Bell. The defense highlighted that Bell was known to carry a 9mm weapon regularly, raising questions about the reliability of the evidence against him.
The defense also pointed out that only one spent cartridge was found, and it was not compared until seven years after the incident. This delay in forensic analysis was presented as a significant concern regarding the prosecution's case. Furthermore, the defense noted that the only fingerprints collected were from Bell on a phone belonging to another individual, Mark Salvador, suggesting a lack of direct evidence linking Bell to the crime.
The defense argued that the prosecution had not fulfilled its burden of proof, which requires establishing every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. They urged the jury to consider the cumulative evidence and the implications of the prosecution's failure to investigate other potential suspects, including the absence of a search warrant for Bell's residence.
In conclusion, the defense's arguments focused on the insufficiency of the evidence and the critical need for the jury to deliberate carefully on the reasonable doubt standard before reaching a verdict. The case now awaits the jury's decision, which will determine the outcome of the trial.