The 20-year-old man charged with murdering a Lakewood police officer a year ago has declined to take the stand in his own defense.

After the prosecution rested its case yesterday against Jahmell Crockam, his lawyer told the judge Crockam would not testify. Defense lawyer Mark Fury declined to call any witnesses.

Prosecutors say Crockam shot Patrolman Christopher Matlosz three times while Matlosz was behind the wheel of his police cruiser last January. Prosecutors say Crockam knew he had outstanding arrest warrants and killed the officer to avoid going to prison.

Crockam’s lawyer maintains there’s no reliable evidence linking his client to the killing.

Closing arguments will be made on Wednesday. The jury could start deliberating by the end of the week.

(Source: News12)