Defense: Bess defended himself

During closing arguments, Defense Attorney Calvin Coleman went first.

He described how Terry Lee Bess and Sherwood Wade got into a fight because Bess wouldn't share his crack.

“He’s a big man. He hit Terry in the jaw and knocked a tooth lose. Terry had a knife at that point that he could have used but he had to be provoked further.”

Coleman said he Bess had a reasonable expectation to be fearful of Wade because of Wade's reputation.

“This man had killed a man with his own bare hands and go to prison. He saw him slam people. All that’s in his mind when Sherwood had him.”

Coleman said the video or audio of the police interview with Bess was never introduced by the prosecution. He said the video would show an emotional Terry Lee Bess. He said Bess remained at the scene and didn't immediately know the injuries were fatal.

Coleman questioned the credibility of the witness, particularly a girl who was 13 at the time. He said she could be bias because she knew Wade and tried to get through the police line to get to the body. Coleman said she claims she witnessed part of the fight but never told police.

"She never made a statement to police. Not a one," said Coleman.