Bendy Murder Trail Soon to be in the Hands of the Jury

TYLER � Final arguments were due to be heard today in the Dennis Bendy murder trial in state district court in Tyler. Both the state and the defense rested in the case Monday morning. Before resting, Bendy�s attorney requested a directed verdict in favor of his client. Judge Jack Skeen denied the requests. Following today’s closing arguments and the judge�s charge to the jury, deliberations will begin.

Bendy is one of three people accused of killing a mother at a public park in Tyler. It will be up to the jury to determine the defendant�s guilt or innocence. If found guilty, the defense has requested that the sentencing be by Judge Skeen. The suspect is facing no less than five years in jail and no more than 99 years to life. Bendy allegedly shot and killed Briana Young, 20, at P.T. Cole Park on July 20, 2013. According to police, Young had brought her 3-year-old son to the park when she was later caught in cross-fire and shot. Rakheem Goldstein and Elisha Williams are also charged with murder in the case. A fourth suspect, Ke�Avier Jarrod Wilson-Hurd, was no-billed.