Miguel Salguero Olivares was convicted in the murder of Faith Hedgepeth, bringing a 14-year quest for justice to a close.
The Massachusetts mother's murder trial ended in a mistrial last month.
The defense for Miguel Olivares announced Wednesday that it will not present evidence and rested.
A federal jury heard testimony Monday from an FBI agent who described how the corruption and bribery investigation involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao began and revealed evidence prosecutors say points to a broader pay-to-play arrangement.
A Black man who was sentenced to death in 1994 for the murder of his white neighbor is fighting for freedom after learning that his lawyer defended the KKK.