Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A Rochester murder case will be decided by an Olmsted County jury that will have to reach a verdict without hearing from the defendant.

The prosecution finished presenting its case against 28-year-old Malcolm Woods Wednesday. The court had been told earlier Woods had decided not to attend any more proceedings and the jury was informed of his decision.

Trial Judge Jacob Allen opened Thursday’s session by informing the prosecution that Woods had not changed his mind and that closing arguments would proceed without him.

Woods is facing 1st and 2nd-degree murder charges in the 2018 shooting of 38-year-old Brandon Arndt in the entryway to the victim’s residence. The charges allege Woods and two co-defendants mistakenly believed Arndt had something to do with the medical emergency that put their grandmother in the hospital with a life-threatening medical condition.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From Quick Country 96.5