Prosecution rests in Berry capital murder trial

MOBILE,Ala. (WALA) - On Tuesday, August 21, the prosecution rested in the Michael Berry trial, and the defense began calling witnesses.

AUGUST 21 TESTIMONY

Michael Berry, who is accused of murdering his estranged wife, worked at the Theodore Post Office for about seven years as a substitute carrier. His former co-workers testified about their time working with him.

Four of the defense witnesses testified that prior to 2010, Berry was a good, dependable worker but in January 2010 they begin to notice a change.

January 2010 is when the prosecution's witnesses said Wendy Stevens began to separate herself from Berry.

Berry's former co-workers said he developed a habit of constantly rubbing his ear and began talking out loud to himself during early 2010. Some said he would smell of alcohol at work and appeared disheveled, and "out of it."

Strange behavior they said they didn't notice until the months leading up to Stevens' murder.

THE ALLEGED INCIDENT

In May 2010, police said Wendy Stevens and her children, ranging in ages from 3 to 14, were at the drive-up ATM at the then-RBC Bank at Cottage Hill and Schillinger roads.

Investigators believe Berry followed them there then shot Stevens to death .

Closing arguments are expected Wednesday Morning. If convicted, Berry faces a life without parole sentence or the death penalty.

Berry's defense is asking for a lesser charge of murder.