Deliberations under way in drowning case


LEBANON, Ohio (AP) — Prosecutors in the trial of a man accused of drowning his wife in a bathtub urged jurors Wednesday to accept their “reasonable” explanation of events, while the defense focused on reasonable doubt.

Both sides wrapped up closing arguments in the aggravated murder trial of 28-year-old Ryan Widmer. He faces 20 years to life in prison if convicted of drowning his wife, Sarah, in their home north of Cincinnati on Aug. 11.

The judge sent the case to the jury shortly before noon for deliberations.

After about two hours, jurors asked to review the bathtub, which was used as evidence by prosecutors. Deputies carried the 4-foot-4-inch-long tub into the jury deliberation room.

During closings, Assistant Prosecutor Travis Vieux told jurors it isn’t reasonable to believe that Sarah Widmer fell asleep in the tub and drowned, as the defense contends.

Family members, friends and co-workers testified that Sarah Widmer sometimes fell asleep at odd times and in unusual places. But Vieux said there was no evidence to show that Sarah Widmer fell asleep in the tub, or that she suffered from seizures or other medical problems.

But he said bruises on Sarah Widmer’s neck indicated a violent struggle took place.

Defense attorney Charlie Rittgers cited testimony from medical experts that the bruises could have been caused by resuscitation attempts.

2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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