Prosecutors rest in Pierce trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The prosecution has rested its case, and we’re now closer to knowing the fate of Anthony Pierce, who’s accused of murder in the death of a Wilmington police officer.

The last bits of evidence were presented to the jury Tuesday as the prosecution’s final witnesses took the stand. Wilmington police Det. Christopher Mayo testified first on Tuesday; revealing that Pierce had a shotgun at his home on the night he led police on a deadly chase in February 2009. The prosecution said it was illegal for a felon like Pierce to have a gun, proving his disregard for the law. Pierce’s attorney argued the gun was not Pierce’s, but his brother’s.

Among the last witnesses, one we can’t even show you because of his involvement in a pending federal investigation. The man is the drug dealer who Pierce and his partners allegedly robbed before the chase. He told the jury that he was supposed to sell Pierce and his partners five pounds of high-grade marijuana for $30,000, but Pierce and his partners in crime cheated the drug dealer, paying him a little more than $100 before they raced off.

Pierce’s attorney tried to belittle the drug dealer’s testimony by questioning his reason for testifying; asking him if he’s expecting special treatment when he goes to court for a drug traffiking charge. The witness answered, “No, but I would like one.”

Closing arguments are scheduled for tomorrow morning. After that the jury will begin deliberating.