Dynel Lane’s testimony to police in a recording was crucial for prosecutors as they wrapped up their case on Friday, an attorney tells Denver7.
Lane cried at moments as the recording was played in court before the prosecution rested its case against her. She is accused of attacking Michelle Wilkins and cutting her unborn baby from her womb on March 18, 2015, later claiming the child was her own. Wilkins went went to Lane’s house in response to a Craigslist ad touting maternity clothes for sale.
In the recording, Lane tells detectives she acted out of self-defense after Wilkins attacked her with a knife. She then admitted to taking Wilkin’s unborn baby out of her womb because she didn’t want the baby to die.
“Prosecutors are certainly going to argue that this claim of self-defense is manipulative,” said David Beller, an attorney who specializes in criminal cases.
Beller isn’t surprised Lane’s attorneys didn’t call anyone to the stand and rested their case shortly after the recording was played by prosecutors.
“It’s not up to the defense to disprove anything,” he said.
Lane is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault and unlawful termination of a pregnancy.
Closing arguments are set for Monday morning.
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