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(Council Bluffs) The State versus Alison Dorsey Trial is now in the hands of the Jury. Testimony ended at around 10:30 this morning in Pottawattamie County District Court.
The Honorable Judge Amy Zacharias presented jury instructions at 12:30 p.m., and the closing arguments began at 1:00 p.m.
Ms. Dorsey is on trial in the death of 11-week-old Luka Hodges on October 7, 2019, while in her daycare in Massena. The case went to trial in Cass County District Court in the fall of 2021, resulting in a hung jury. Due to publicity, the case was moved to Pottawattamie County.
The state argues the infant died of abusive head trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome). The defense presented arguments the injuries occurred before October 7, 2019.
Ms. Dorsey testified that the infant began to breathe differently and called the mother to see if she could hear the breathing. The mom worked about 15-to-20 minutes from the daycare, so Alison called the father, who worked just a few blocks away. When the father arrived at the daycare, the baby was not breathing.
Prosecuting Attorney Monty Platz started his closing arguments with a number… 19 minutes.
Platz dispelled the argument Luka suffered his injuries before he arrived at the daycare.
Defense Attorney Mark Edward Munger noted an earlier testimony by the State Medical Examiner and found the cause of death undetermined.
Munger referred to the Defendants own testimony.
Alison Dorsey has been charged with Murder in the 1st Degree and Child Endangerment Resulting in Death. Judge Amy Zacharias spent around 25 minutes reviewing the jury instructions and what must be considered when finding the defendant guilty on the current or lesser charges or finding the defendant not guilty.
The Jury will continue deliberations at 8:30 on Tuesday Morning.
