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Luis Toledo trial: Both sides rest in triple-murder trial

Prosecutors and the defense rested their case Wednesday in the trial involving Luis Toledo.

Closing arguments will begin Thursday.
Toledo is accused of killing his wife, Yessenia Suarez, and her children, Thalia and Michael Otto inside their Deltona home in 2013. Their bodies have never been found.
A jail phone call that Toledo made to his wife’s friend was played in court Wednesday.
Photos: Evidence in Luis Toledo case
Toledo called Sabrinba Newell from jail about a year and a half after his arrest.
Newell testified Wednesday before the court played the phone call.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Newell told the jury that Yessenia was upset with Toledo because he was supposed to take care of things around the house since he wasn't working. She said Yessenia felt he wasn't doing a good job and they would argue about the topic.

During the jail phone call, Toledo talked about Yessenia cheating on him, and how controlling she was.
He told Newell that his entire life revolved around Yessenia and the children because she wouldn't let him do anything.
Photos: Yessenia Suarez, Thalia Otto and Michael Otto
Newell said in court that she was looking for closure.
"When it comes to something like that, not knowing where they're at--not having that closure… kills me," Newell said.
Newell was the last witness for prosecutors.
Newell said she listened to Toledo patiently because she thought he might open up to her.
The defense has begun presenting its case.
Toledo told the judge he wouldn't testify.
During a police interview, Toledo admitted to killing his wife, but said it was an act of self-defense. Toledo blamed a neighbor, Tyshawn Jackson, for killing the children, however, Jackson has never been charged in the killings.
Jackson admitted to helping Toledo move Yessenia's car and dropping some stuff off in a dumpster. He also testified the type of clothes Toledo wore that were later found in the same Seminole County dumpster.
If convicted in the children's deaths, Toledo could face the death penalty.
Jurors could begin deliberating Friday.
Watch court testimony below:

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