Closing arguments for accused STEM school shooter

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Closing arguments began Monday in the trial of one of the accused STEM school shooters.

Devon Erickson, then 18, is accused of carrying out the On May 7, 2019, which left one student dead and eight others injured.

On Friday, the defense rested after calling its final witness. During the trial, 9News reports the prosecution's case worked to undermine claims that Erickson was a victim, forced into involvement in the deadly shooting out of fear and intimidation.

The defense claimed Erickson did not intentionally fire any gunshots that day.

The other student charged in the shooting, Alec McKinney, was one of the last witnesses the prosecution called on. McKinney over two days. During his testimony, McKinney claimed the two had planned on Erickson killing him, after killing everyone in the classroom.

During cross-examination, the defense team questioned the validity of McKinney's story, claiming he was changing his story to take advantage of a special program that would grant him early release.

Erickson pleaded not guilty in 2020. McKinney pleaded guilty in February 2020. He is eligible for parole because he was a juvenile at the time of the attack.

For more information on closing arguments through our Denver affiliate, click here.