Precious Doe Case Likely In Hands Of Jury Today

Kansas City, MO – The Precious Doe murder case could go to the jury as early as Wednesday afternoon. KCUR's Steve Bell reports.

The judge said Tuesday that closing arguments begin Wednesday morning after defendant Harrell Johnson announced that he would not take the stand. Jurors had already seen a tearful confession tape in which Johnson admitted that he caused the death of the little girl, Erica Green. But what he said in that video didn't agree with what his wife, Michelle said in court yesterday. Harrell Johnson said he forced Erica down when she wouldn't lie down, and her head struck the floor. Michelle Johnson said she saw her husband kick the little girl in the head. She also said they both knew the unconscious girl might die, but decided against seeking medical attention because there were outstanding warrants against both of them. Basically, the case is about whether a decision of that nature constitutes premeditated murder.