GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 6, 2014)– After three days of testimony, both the defense and prosecution in the Javonte Higgins murder trial rested.
Javonte Higgins didn’t end up taking the stand, and the defense ended up only recalling the lead detective in the case to re-question her about footprints.
The day was filled with more testimony from people acquainted with Higgins, including those that saw him in the hours before and after David and Vivian Bouwman were murdered.
One of the witnesses that testified had said she got to know Higgins after he got of prison.
The judge told the jury to disregard that statement and ended up declaring her a hostile witness for failing to answer questions, he also denied the request of a mistrial by the defense because of what she said.
Defense attorney, Valerie Foster claimed that the jury wouldn’t be able to forget that statement causing prejudice to her client. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Chris Becker said the jury had already heard of other alleged incidents linked to Higgins.
Higgins’ mother, Dora Baker, also took the stand saying Higgins had a change in his demeanor since the crash he was involved in weeks before the murders. That crash police say involved a stolen truck leaving him seriously injured.
During her testimony, he made little to no eye contact with his mother as she spoke about being with him the day before the Bouwmans were killed.
She said she wanted to take him to Pine Rest but he refused and eventually ended up getting out of her car on 44th street; after that she said she never saw him again.
At close Thursday, the defense claimed the prosecution hadn’t proved Higgins guilt, especially with no DNA of Higgins at the Bouwmans home but the prosecution says the Bouwmans stolen car among other evidence presented proves his role in the murders.
Closing arguments are expected to happen Friday afternoon.
