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WEST JORDAN -- Closing arguments are under way in the trial of a man accused of gunning down a Utah County businessman. The trial has been going on for the past 10 days, and the jury has plenty of scenarios to consider.
On Thursday afternoon, the jury listened to closing arguments then began deliberations shortly before 5 p.m.
Prosecutors told jurors all of the evidence points to Eugene Wright as the man who shot and killed Kenneth Dolezsar outside a Sandy Village Inn in November 2007. They say that evidence includes the murder weapon, which belongs to Wright.
According to the prosecution, Wright's DNA was found on the driver-side door handle of Dolezsar's car, which was stolen after the shooting. Attorneys also say Wright bought a prepaid cell phone that was used to make calls to Dolezar.
However, defense attorneys say the person who bought the cell phone is not necessarily the killer. They told the jury to look at the big picture, one in which they say the pieces don't all hang altogether.
The defense says some of the DNA was inconclusive. They also pointed out discrepancies in the eyewitness's description of the shooter and pointed to a con man, David Novak, who they say police failed to investigate.
Defense attorneys say Novak knew both Dolezsar and Wright, and that he swindled $2 million from Dolezsar. That, they say, provides motive to kill Dolezsar, whereas Wright had no motive in the killing.
It will be up to the jury to determine whether Wright is guilty of murder and robbery.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
