Russell trial could end Monday

KELSO, Wash. – The Frederick Russell vehicular homicide trial could go to the jury on Monday in Kelso.

Russell is accused of causing the crash that killed three Washington State University students six years ago on the Moscow-Pullman Highway.

Court adjourned Friday before lawyers could get to their closing statements. After a rebuttal witness for the prosecution on Monday, lawyers are scheduled to deliver their closing comments.

One of the final defense witnesses was Russell’s mother, who said her son felt threatened when he fled the country in 2001. He was one of the U.S. Marshals Service’s most-wanted fugitives when he was caught two years ago in Ireland. Prosecutors say Russell was drunk and speeding when his car collided with another car, killing the three WSU students and injuring three others. Defense lawyers have disputed alcohol test results and details of the crash investigation.