Defense to present its case in Young's quadruple murder trial

Members of a District Court jury have been told they will begin deliberations Monday into the guilt or innocence of Terrell Cochise Young over his role in the murders of four young men.

It shouldn't be too difficult a call for the jury in District Judge Joseph Pavlikowski's courtroom because Young confessed to police that he was part of the well-planned holdup to steal what was supposed to be $6,000 in cash and a large amount of drugs.

But the reports of wealth were unfounded and the bandits walked away with only about $200, a VCR, a video game and a few pills.

The prosecution rested its case Thursday after Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. James Bucklin testified that three of the four victims had traces of methamphetamine and cocaine in their systems. The fourth, who was a visitor to the house near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard, had consumed a larger quantity of drugs.

The defense, which had contended during opening statements that the victims were drug sellers, will get its chance Monday morning to present witnesses.

Young was told Thursday by the judge that he has a right to testify in his own defense or can decline to testify and the prosecution cannot comment on his silence during closing arguments.

If the jury convicts Young, 20, of first-degree murder, there will have to be a penalty hearing, and the same jury will be asked to decide if the appropriate punishment should be death by lethal injection or life with or without the possibility of parole.

Young is the second of three defendants to stand trial in the Aug. 14, 1998, murder. Sikia Smith, 19, already has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison without any chance for parole. Donte Johnson, 19, the alleged triggerman, is scheduled to face a jury in January.

The victims were Jeffrey Biddle, 19, Tracey Gorringe, 20, Matthew Mowen, 19, and Peter Talamantez, 17.

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