What Was Missing When the Bridegan Prosecution Rested

The prosecution rested its case against Mario Fernandez on Day 6, and the defense immediately tested whether six days of testimony met the legal standard for the charges. The solicitation count requires evidence of a communicative act — proof that Fernandez asked Tenon to carry out the killing. No direct evidence of that request was introduced at trial.

John Biggerstaff, the longtime friend investigators believe once possessed the 10mm Glock matching shell casings from the scene, denied giving Fernandez any weapon. Biggerstaff is a convicted felon who surrendered his firearms in 2016 and says he hasn't seen the gun since. His son Juan, who wore a department-ordered wire to record his father, testified to the same. But both carried credibility issues the prosecution highlighted. Juan filed an inaccurate stolen-gun report using the 10mm's serial number. Biggerstaff himself told his son "the only thing they care about is the 10mm."

The prosecution responded to the acquittal motion with a theory that may define this trial: the killing itself proves the hire. Fernandez is the sole link between gunman and victim. The financial records, the trust clause, and the phone data gaps form a web the state says replaces the direct proof solicitation charges normally demand. Judge Kite denied the defense motion. Deliberations could begin Wednesday.

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