There are some new developments in the Fred Prosser murder trial.
The defence will not be calling the accused, or any other witnesses, to the stand in Moncton provincial court.
Prosser, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Sabrina Patterson, his ex-girlfriend.
He is also charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with the case.
Prosser has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The mother of two was reported missing on Oct. 31, 2010 and was found nearly two weeks later in a wooded area of Shenstone, N.B.
The Crown wrapped up its case against Prosser Wednesday.
At the beginning of the trial, Crown prosecutor Annie St. Jacques told the jury they would hear a lot of circumstantial evidence, but that the evidence all points to Fred Prosser.
The Crown called about 40 witnesses to the stand throughout the trial, which started on Nov. 21.
The Crown’s first witness was RCMP investigator Blake Keirstead, who laid out a timeline of events.
The defence, however, questioned police about evidence that went missing for six months while in their possession.
Over the course of the trial, several witnesses testified Prosser had previously told them he would be better off if Patterson was dead.
Prosser’s co-workers told the court he was visibly distressed the day after Patterson was last seen alive.
Employees of the building supply store testified Prosser was so distraught he had tears in his eyes and had to be sent home.
The forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy also took the stand.
The Crown alleges the cause of Patterson’s death is manual strangulation and Dr. Kalman Protzner confirmed she was, in fact, strangled.
He also told the court she was likely raped.
However, the defence questioned the sexual assault allegations and asked Protzner if there was bruising on Patterson’s thighs and buttocks, which is common in cases of rape.
Protzner responded none were noted in his report, and added if there had been bruising, he would have documented it.
The judge adjourned proceedings today.
Both the Crown and the defence are expected to present their final arguments tomorrow.
