Prosecutors rest after medical examiner testifies in Ark. TV anchorwoman death case

By CHUCK BARTELS , Associated Press

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 4:34 PM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A medical examiner says an Arkansas TV anchorwoman was beaten so severely that one blow knocked a tooth out of her mouth and another shoved her jaw to the back of her head.

Dr. Stephen Erickson testified Tuesday in the capital murder trial of Curtis Lavelle Vance, who is charged with killing TV host Anne Pressly. He was the last witness before prosecutors rested their case.

Vance has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers began their defense by asking crime scene technicians about what they didn't find at the scene, and also asked crime lab workers about DNA evidence gathered that didn't seem to have a match.

Jurors could start deliberating the case Wednesday. Vance could face the death penalty if convicted.

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