Defense Rests in 2005 Cedar River Murder Case

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) — The defense has rested in the trial of a man accused of killing his former girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter.

Attorneys called just three witnesses to the stand Monday in its defense of 35-year-old Casey Frederiksen, who is charged with first-degree murder and sexual assault. Prosecutors allege Frederiksen sexually abused Evelyn Miller and stabbed her to death while baby-sitting her in 2005. He was arrested in 2012.

The girl’s body was found in the Cedar River five days after she was reported missing.

Before testimony began, a judge denied the defense’s request to acquit Frederiksen. Defense attorneys say the prosecution failed to offer physical evidence in its case against the man, but prosecutors disagreed.

Closing arguments are expected Tuesday.