Closing Arguments Complete, Judge Will Decide U of R Student's Fate

The University of Rochester student is charged with murdering fellow student Jeffrey Bordeaux.

On Monday, the defense said their client acted in self-defense, while the prosecution said things didn't add up and this was murder.

James Nobles said his client tried to avoid fighting Bordeaux. The incident happened at a fraternity house on January 15^th. Nobles said the 20-year-old feared for his life and used his knife after being cornered and falling on a couch.

“One punch to the head can cause death," Nobles said. "The only reason Daren Venable would do what he did is because he had no choice. His life was in danger at the hands of a drunken, huge monster." The defense said Venable was justified, but the prosecution said the story doesn't add up.

"Where is the blood?” Assistant District Attorney Ray Benitez asked while holding up the pants Venable wore the night of the stabbing. “Where is the blood from all of these injuries that he inflicted on the victim.”

Bordeaux's family agrees with Benitez. “He walked by somebody and they were totally covered in blood,” Jeffrey Bordeaux, Sr. said. “He didn't even touch that person. If I'm laying on top of you with those types of major wounds and trauma to the body (there would be blood.) He's a liar. Those first two guys who came up are liars."

"It was cold, it was calculated and it was intentional,” Benitez said. “We pray the court takes a hard look at this case and finds him, the defendant, guilty of murder in the second degree."

The judge will also consider lesser manslaughter charges. He's expected to render his decision Thursday afternoon.