ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday in the trial of Nickolas Shane Stephenson, accused of first-degree murder and felony child abuse in the death of his 12-week-old daughter, Riley Stephenson.
Prosecutors urged jurors to consider evidence they say shows Stevenson caused the infant’s death, emphasizing alleged abuse, neglect and malnutrition. They described the case as a tragic example of a child left vulnerable and argued that the state had met its burden to prove Stephenson’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In response, defense attorney Dustin Randolph Dow told jurors that the prosecution had failed to meet that standard. “I cannot tell you what happened, and neither can you, based on the evidence in this courtroom. That is the state’s responsibility,” Dow said. “They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that my client committed these assaults. It is not enough for them to show that it’s possible, probable or likely.”…