The prosecution and defense have rested their presentations of evidence in the trial of Christopher Otero-Rivera and Angel Rivera that is taking place in Kissimmee.
The two men are charged with second-degree murder, abuse of a body, and evidence tampering in her death. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Christopher Otero-Rivera and his father, Angel Rivera, are charged with second-degree murder in the death of Otero-Rivera’s estranged wife Nicole Montalvo, a 33-year-old St. Cloud mom who was slain, dismembered, and later found buried on the Rivera family’s properties.
Otero-Rivera’s attorneys rested their case Tuesday after calling one witness, while Angel Rivera’s defense rested its case without presenting a single witness or an opening statement.
Closing statements in the trial will take place this morning( Wednesday) before the jury begins deliberating.
Circuit Judge Keith Carsten declined requests from defense attorneys to acquit Otero-Rivera and his father Angel, saying a reasonable jury could convict teh two men on the evidence presented.
The judge dismissed a juror who looked to be falling asleep during the trial. The judge said he tried to wake the man and took frequent breaks to help, but the juror was still seen falling asleep.
