Johnathan Edward Ellison
TRENTON, Ga. – Without calling any witnesses or presenting any evidence, attorneys for a 19-year-old man on trial for murder rested their case Thursday afternoon.
When Johnathan Ellison’s defense attorney Steven Miller was asked after court why he chose not to call any witnesses, he said that today’s closing statements will speak for themselves. Ellison’s co-counsel is Chris Connelly.
The state rested its case Thursday afternoon, and the defense announcement followed just minutes later.
Ellison is on trial on two counts of felony murder and one count each of malice murder, aggravated assault and armed robbery in the death of Antwane Hyatte, 35, of Chattanooga. Hyatte was stabbed 16 times during a drug deal at Ellison’s home in March, police said.
Co-defendant James Oglesby, 27, is facing the same charges. His trial is set for next year.