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Defense Expert Testifies Height and Trajectory Analysis Rules Out Marni Yang in 2007 Killing

The judge plans to issue a written decision after the multi-day hearing on whether newly presented evidence justifies a retrial.

Overview

  • An evidentiary hearing opened in Lake County with three days set aside for Marni Yang to present new-evidence claims.
  • Forensic specialist Arthur Borchers testified the shooter was about 5 feet 10 inches, saying Yang, who is 5 feet tall, could not have fired the fatal shots.
  • Prosecutors challenged the trajectory conclusions during cross-examination, noting possible alternate shooting scenarios.
  • Yang was convicted in 2011 of killing Rhoni Reuter, who was pregnant with former Bear Shaun Gayle’s child, under a prosecution theory that centered on jealousy.
  • Defense attorney Jed Stone says additional materials will be offered, including DNA, live ammunition rounds, a medical alert bracelet, and a barber’s videotaped deposition, as the court’s ruling is expected later in writing with any retrial likely starting in the fall if granted.