Trial switches to the defense

After the prosecution rested, the trial of South Carolina v. Wirtz switched to the defense in the Oconee General Sessions Court. Trial recessed for the day shortly before 5 p-m yesterday while a tape recording was played for the jury during the testimony of a witness called by the defense. The defendant, Walhalla area resident Timothy Ray Wirtz, went on trial this week charged with five offenses: armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, grand larceny, kidnapping, and burglary first degree. Judge Alex Macaulay indicated to the jury the trial should finish today.