CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The fate of Jeffrey Wogenstahl, who was convicted of the 1991 murder of Amber Garrett. It is now up to a local judge who is seeking a new trial to avoid the death penalty.

The trial ended after five days of testimony from witnesses supporting Wogenstahl’s retrial bid.

Wogenstahl, who followed the hearing online from prison, was not physically present in the courtroom. His defense’s final witness, blood expert Marc Taylor, testified virtually, casting doubt on the legitimacy of a crucial blood sample taken from Wogenstahl’s car.

Investigators identified the blood as Amber Garrett’s. Taylor expressed concerns about potential contamination and mishandling of the sample, suggesting that if the blood evidence was unreliable, Wogenstahl’s conviction was also unreliable. During closing arguments, the prosecution argued: Mishandling or withholding evidence would require Wogenstahl to be retried.

“We have over 160 exhibits. We called 6 experts, and the state did not put forward anything to refute this claim. They could have called witnesses. Did they know? They could have called experts. Did they know? All they did was ask a few questions. This new evidence, especially the cumulative objections and accusations , discredits every aspect of the state’s case, every piece of evidence, every witness,” said Ohio Public’s Kim Rigby. The Defense Office said.

But Phil Cummings, representing the state, argued that none of the new evidence would change the outcome of the original trial.

“None of this new evidence, explored in depth here, would have made a difference in Mr. Wogenstahl’s case. Whether it was a cryptic, vague hearsay overheard at the Waffle House or experts’ opinions on how to do it all. Cummings said, “Nothing we heard, Mr. “It cannot essentially exonerate Wogenstahl,” he said.

Amber Garrett’s father, Robert, had attended all previous hearings and was present when the hearing was adjourned until the afternoon. He still believes Wogenstahl is guilty. Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins will review all evidence and testimony before making a decision. Wogenstahl has 60 days from the deadline to decide whether to grant a new hearing.