Faith Hedgepeth Murder: Miguel Salguero Olivares' defense rests, calls no witnesses

In a surprising twist in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial, the defense rested its case Wednesday without presenting evidence or calling a single witness, despite indicating earlier this week that it planned to put on a defense case.

Several jurors appeared surprised when defense attorneys announced in court that they would rest without presenting evidence or calling witnesses.

After resting, defense attorney James Rainsford asked the judge to dismiss all charges against Salguero-Olivares, arguing that the state had failed to meet its burden of proof.

Steve Daniels talks about the evidence and how the jury has responded with veteran ABC crime reporter Pat LaLama.

Prosecutors opposed the motion, and the judge denied the request.

ABC News crime investigative reporter Pat Lalama joined ABC11 for a special discussion of the latest developments and what could come next in the trial.

Download the ABC11 News app

Defense Exhibit 13 was offered.

The judge said defense attorneys will have the last opportunity to argue in the case.

The jury was brought back into the courtroom so the defense could formally rest its case in front of jurors.

Several jurors appeared surprised when the defense announced it would not present evidence.

The jury has been dismissed for the day.

A judicial colloquy is underway, with the judge questioning the defendant, Miguel Salguero Olivares, about his right to testify.

The defendant told the judge he understands that he has the right to testify if he chooses and that neither his attorneys nor prosecutors can prevent him from taking the stand.

JUDGE: Do you understand you have the right to testify if you choose?

DEFENDANT: Yes, Your Honor.

JUDGE: Do you understand your attorneys cannot stop you from testifying?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

JUDGE: Your prosecutors cannot stop you?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

JUDGE: Who is the only person that can prevent you from testifying?

DEFENDANT: Me.

Miguel Olivares says he won't be testifying.

The state on Monday, rested its case against Miguel Salguero Olivares, the man on trial for the 2012 murder of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth.

In the two weeks they presented, jurors heard from 23 witnesses through more than nine days of testimony, which included Faith Hedgepeth's former roommate Karena Rosario.

Two state crime lab analysts testified about DNA and fingerprint evidence.

And the medical examiner who walked the jury through Hedgepeth's injuries and cause of death.

Some of the material jurors saw was graphic in nature and some got emotional reactions, including from the defendant when a video was shown of his jailhouse phone call with a late friend.

Their final witness was NC SBI Special Agent Justin Heinrich, who spent two days on the stand defending key parts of the investigation into Hedgepeth's murder.

With the prosecution having rested its case, defense attorneys are expected to begin presenting their case on Wednesday.