Lestroy Bright took the stand Wednesday in Territorial Court, accused of murder in the death of Dr. Janet Morgan in 1997.
According to a report in the Virgin Islands Daily News, Bright, 25, said that Morgan had been a "good friend" and that he did not kill her. He said that all of the prosecution's witnesses were lying about his involvement in the crime.
Along with co-defendant Bryan Felix, 22, Bright is facing murder charges stemming from the Feb. 24, 1999 killing of Morgan at her Estate Belvedere home. A third defendant, Remy Augustin, had murder and related charges dropped Tuesday in connection with Morgan's death but still is accused of participating in a string of armed robberies preceding the murder.
Under questioning from defense attorney Ronald Russell, Bright told the court that he never had any problems with Morgan, who had hired him to rebuild her home, damaged in Hurricane Marilyn. The Daily News said Bright calmly responded to defense questions, but became agitated when cross-examined by prosecutor Bruce Marshack.
Marshack went down the list of witnesses who testified against Bright, who loudly declared that each witness "is a liar."
The mothers of Bright and Felix also testified briefly Wednesday. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m.; the jury is expected to begin deliberations Thursday afternoon.
