Clark Schwartzkopf
Two final witnesses testified today in the marathon trial of Serial Shooter suspect Dale Hausner, bringing the possibility of a verdict just days away. Lead investigator Clark Schwartzkopf, a Phoenix police detective, gave the final bit of testimony to wrap up loose ends with the state’s 87-count criminal case against the suspected serial killer. His testimony followed that of fellow Phoenix detective Jason Buscher, who talked about how Hausner’s cell phone records fit in with the case. The testimony from both men was neither spectacular nor ceremonial, providing a muted end to a lengthy trial.
Hausner himself was back in the courtroom after having sat out the past two days of testimony from witnesses who said things that damaged both his defense and him personally. He sat still and quite during most of the day, and could be seen taking notes and whispering with his attorneys throughout the testimony.
On Tuesday morning, closing arguments begin with Maricpa County prosecutors taking the full day to summarize their entire five-month case for the jury. After that, the defense has been scheduled for a day of closings, and the prosecution will get an extra half-day on Thursday. If all goes according to plan, the jury could get the chance to decide Hausner’s guilt or innocence as early as lunchtime on Thursday.