FOLLOWING the testimony of its expert witness, Dr. Philip Dauterman, the prosecution rested its case in the jury trial of Calvin Tagabuel on Tuesday.
Defense attorney Joey McDoulett made a verbal motion for acquittal, which was verbally opposed by Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds and Assistant Attorney General Heather Barcinas.
Superior Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho, who is presiding over the jury trial, denied the defense’s motion for acquittal.
Tagabuel, 48, is accused of causing Lark Kasian’s death by delivering a single punch to Kasian’s face, rendering him unconscious and causing him to fall on the concrete floor, where he struck the back of his head. The defendant has been charged with second-degree murder.
Also on Tuesday, the defense called its first witness, Department of Public Safety Detective Shannon Dela Cruz.
Since the trial started on Feb. 11, 2025, the prosecution has called 14 witnesses: George Babauta, DPS officer; Joseph Cing, EMT; Mary Louise Tanaka, DPS evidence custodian and crime scene technician; Shannon Dela Cruz, DPS detective; MD Jakir Hossain, Cool Laundry security guard; Krizel Macaspac and Marites Cadag, Cool Laundry cashiers; David Norita and Todson Sachuo; Ricky Jones; Shanalyn Williams; Dr. Rodney H. Klassen, ER physician; and Dr. John M. Yarofalir, CHCC general surgeon; and Dr. Philip Dauterman, CHCC pathologist.
The jury trial will resume today at 1:30 p.m.
