Defense Rests In Rutgers Webcam Spying Case; Dharun Ravi Won't Testify
NEW BRUNWSICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork)-- The defense has rested in the Rutgers spy cam case, but not before answering a critical question.
Dharun Ravi decided not to testify in his own trial. The 20-year-old is accused of using a webcam to spy on his Rutgers roommate, Tyler Clementi, who was making out with another man.
Ravi appeared calm and confident, even flashing a smile, as his lawyer informed the judge of his decision Monday as he rested his case, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg with the latest on the trial
Podcast
Prosecutors say Clementi committed suicide after finding out Ravi had tried to spy on him and the other man a second time and tweeted friends, asking them to join in and watch.
Closing arguments will begin Tuesday morning.
The defense showed surveillance video of Ravi in the common area of the dorm, and says he didn't broadcast anything. While jurors won't hear from Ravi, they have seen a tape of him being interviewed by police.
Ravi, 20, is charged with 15 criminal counts, including bias intimidation and invasion of privacy. Bias intimidation is a hate crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
WCBS 880's Alex Silverman In New Brunswick
Podcast
The defense has called seven character witnesses -- all friends of Ravi's father -- who testified Ravi does not hate gay people. The state has presented 20 witnesses, including students like Lokesh Ojah, who admitted to initially lying to investigators.
The judge denied the defense's motion for a mistrial. The jury will be back Tuesday morning -- the defense goes first then the prosecution. After that, the jury could get the case.
If found guilty, Ravi could spend up to 10 years behind bars and be deported to India.
Do you think Ravi will be convicted? Sound Off Below ...
