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Jury to consider whether man killed in self-defense
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More from Local NewsThe jury is expected to begin deliberating today whether Michael Ortiz murdered Anthony Casillas two years ago or whether the killing was in self-defense.
Lawyers are expected to wrap up closing arguments, which began Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Chrystina Jenson told jurors that Ortiz's motive for killing Casillas was revenge after Casillas struck Dena Diaz, a close friend of a gang leader, according to Jenson.
Jurors are asked to consider first-degree murder charges or finding him guilty of less serious felonies — second-degree murder, or voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
Jenson told jurors that Casillas didn't know what was coming when he went into his bedroom after he and the defendant had a heated argument in the living room of a residence in the 700 block of West Hemlock Street in Port Hueneme.
She said Ortiz either tucked a 15-inch knife in his waistband or put the weapon under his arm, pulling it out after an argument and stabbing Casillas.
Jenson said she is surprised that Ortiz, through his lawyer Richard Hanawalt, is now raising the "it was an accident" defense.
"This wasn't some type of accident, ladies and gentlemen," Jenson told jurors. "It was an execution."
Hanawalt will begin his closing arguments today.
In an interview, Hanawalt said his client had the weapon tucked under his arm when he was punched by Casillas. Ortiz struck back, forgetting the knife was under his arm, and he stabbed Casillas by accident, Hanawalt said.
Testimony in the trial showed that both Ortiz and Casillas were heavy drug users. Casillas and his friend Eddie Salomon stayed at the Hemlock Street residence, which was used to buy and sell drugs. It was a place where members of different area gangs hung out.
After the stabbing, Salomon jumped out of the bedroom window and ran, testimony showed.
Ortiz's friend Michael Orosco testified that Ortiz came back to the house and punched Casillas several times as he was dying.
Ortiz began yelling "Southside Chiques," the name of a gang, while punching Casillas, said Jenson.
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