Randy Taylor
(FBI photo)
LOVINGSTON, Va. (AP) _ A Nelson County jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a man charged with murdering a missing teenager. Prosecutors wrapped up their case against Randy Taylor on Wednesday morning. The defense rested after calling five witnesses. Jurors went home Wednesday evening and resume deliberations Thursday morning.
The 48-year-old Taylor is charged with first-degree murder and abduction with intent to defile. The body of 17-year-old Alexis Murphy hasn’t been found.
In closing arguments, prosecutor Anthony Martin told the jury: “Don’t let evil triumph in this courtroom.” Defense attorney Michael Hallahan argued there wasn’t enough evidence for a conviction.
Murphy disappeared last August. She was last seen at a gas station in Lovingston. Authorities found her car several days later in an Albemarle County parking lot.
