Defense Continues to Present Its Case in Fujita Murder Trial

The defense team for Nathaniel Fujita will continue presenting its case Friday in an effort to show jurors that Fujita suffered a brief psychotic episode when he killed 18-year-old Lauren Astley in July 2011.

On Thursday, the Commonwealth, led by prosecutor Lisa McGovern, rested its case after calling a string of nearly 30 witnesses -- beginning with Wayland Police Officer Seanna Lombardo and concluding with Astley's -- to the stand since testimony began on Feb. 13.

Following Dunne's testimony on Thursday, Feb. 28, defense attorney William Sullivan called Fujita's aunt, Joyce Saba, to the stand. She proved to be the only witness called by the defense that day and court adjourned about an hour earlier than normal.

Judge Peter Lauriat told jurors Thursday that the attorneys for both sides expect to finish presenting evidence on Friday or perhaps early Monday. Closing arguments could take place "possibly Monday, certainly Tuesday," according to the judge.

Before the case is given to the jury for deliberation, four of the 16 jurors (there are 10 men and six women) who have heard the case will be randomly selected to serve as alternates. The verdict will be determined by only 12 jurors.

Should the jury find Fujita guilty of first-degree murder, Massachusetts law dictates a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

If the jury finds him not guilty by reason of insanity, Fujita could be committed to a mental health facility.

According to the state's Office for Victim Assistance, "In Massachusetts, offenders found not guilty by reason of mental illness can be released once it is determined they no longer pose a likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others as a result of mental illness."