Jury could get Chaz Stringer murder case Thursday

GAINESVILLE - The murder trial of Gainesville teenager accused of slaying an Athens Street restaurant worker during an armed robbery attempt in June 2006 could go to the jury Thursday.

The jury heard defendant Chaz Stringer's taped confession Wednesday, presented by Gainesville Detective Ken Gaddis, and read a transcript as they listened to the tape.

The confession came just five or six hours after 29 year old Victor Manuel De La Rosa was shot to death at Garcia's Restaurant on Athens Street late on June 8 last year.

The state rested its case after presenting the confession; the defense is expected to rest Thursday; the defense presented a possible alibi witness, some character witnesses, and the defendant's father.

With closing arguments, the jury may get the case for deliberation Thursday afternoon.