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November 9, 2009

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Closing arguments in Mortensen case set for Monday

Thursday, May 8, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Prosecutors wrapped up their rebuttal Thursday after Mortensen took the stand in his own defense to claim his ex-partner pulled the trigger in the drive-by shooting death of a Las Vegas man.

Court will not be in session Friday, and closing arguments are set for Monday.

Mortensen took the stand in his own defense to accuse Christopher Brady of gunning down 21-year-old Daniel Mendoza on Dec. 28.

Brady has testified previously that Mortensen shot Mendoza as the two former officers prowled Las Vegas streets while off duty, seeking to harass drug dealers and gang members.

Mortensen testified that Brady drove into the alley where the shooting took place and ignored his pleas to leave. He said Brady then reached across him and fired out the window of the passenger side.

Brady came to police 36 hours after the shooting and said Mortensen fired the fatal shots.

Mortensen is on trial for murder. Brady was not charged in the crime.

Both men have resigned from the police force.

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