Home News 

Story

Rape Suspect Acting As Own Attorney Gives Closing Arguments

Posted: 12:43 pm EDT October 23, 2006Updated: 12:57 pm EDT October 23, 2006

An accused Brevard County rapist, who has been acting as his own attorney, gave his own closing arguments Monday. Carlos Rhynes is currently on trial for four of the ten rapes he's charged with.

During his closing argument, Rhynes said he is innocent because none of the victims could positively identify him and that investigators falsified evidence. He's representing himself on two of the rape counts and has a defense attorney representing him on the other two counts.

If convicted, Rhynes could face life in prison.

During the trial, Rhynes faced his accusers, but he was very limited in the questions he could ask them on the stand.

The state gave its closing first Monday morning. The prosecutor argued Rhynes went to each one of his four victims’ homes, put fear in them and battered them.

Rhynes had planned to take the stand himself, but then chose not to at the last minute.

Even if Rhynes is acquitted in all four of the cases, he still faces six more rape cases in Orange County.

More Headlines

Make WFTV Your Power On

Did you ever turn your television off at night and notice the next morning that your set comes on to a different channel? You can set your cable box so that your TV comes on to the station you want. It's easy! Full Story ››
Step-By-Step Text Instructions


Click Picks
Video Clips
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno, enveloped by the jaws of SuperCroc, holds the fossil head of DogCroc, which lived in the Sahara when the 8-ton SuperCroc did. View Slideshow ››

Video Clips
Ohio police believe they have their man. But they fear their suspected bank robber may have eaten some of the evidence - the holdup note demanding cash - all while handcuffed and leaning over the hood of a police cruiser. (Nov. 21) Watch Video ››


Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, our 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. Photos are added often. Take A Look!

County-By-County News

Get Hyper-Local On WFTV.com

Visit our County-By-County section for the latest news headlines out of your county. » County-By-County

When you take videos or photos of Central Florida news or weather events, iWitness is your place to upload them. » iWitness

Visit your headquarters for county-by-county news and resources, and a place to share community videos and photos. » 9Central