FROM WOOD TV 8:
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Christian Hillman is charged with second-degree murder after police say he severely beat William McFarlan on Sept. 29 on Whitneyville Avenue in Caledonia Township.
The jury of 10 men and two women left the courtroom for deliberations around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, after listening to more than an hour of closing arguments from prosecutors and Hillman’s defense attorney.
Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Blair Lachman focused his final arguments on the lack of injuries Hillman had in comparison to McFarlan’s injuries. He said Hillman beat McFarlan for more than seven minutes and pulled down his pants and underwear.
Lachman said Hillman was proud of his assault on the 64-year-old man, asking someone to take pictures of his bloody hands after the deadly assault.
“What happens after the man is unconscious (and) alone is second-degree murder,” Lachman said.
The defense attorney Matthew Borgula conceded Hillman was not likable as depicted in police video where he asked an officer to “get my good side” during evidence photos. But Borgula said Hillman was acting on impulse during a fight with McFarlan.
Borgula said McFarlan tailgated Hillman’s dirt bike and tried to run him off the road. Borgula said McFarlan tried to choke his client. He also argued his client didn’t know how bad McFarlan’s injuries were during the recorded police interview.
More information HERE at woodtv.com