Trial of local man accused of murdering his wife continues in its second week

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CRESCENT CITY, Calif. (KIEM)-The trial of a Del Norte County man accused of murder, continues in its second week Monday in Crescent City. 

“In “People vs Hughes” the accusation is a charge of murder,” said Del Norte Superior Court’s Executive Officer Esperanza Esparza.

Jury trial selection started November 9th – the courts swore in a jury of 12 and four alternates the following afternoon, according to Esparza. 

She says, then the case proceeded forward and continued through Friday – until about 3:30 that afternoon.

The case is being heard before the Honorable Darren McElfresh.

“It is our understanding that people are still presenting their case at this time,” said Esparza Thursday.

Edward Hughes IV is charged with the murder of his wife Emiley Tesch Hughes, whose body was discovered February 14, 2019, in a closet at the couple’s mobile home in Crescent City.

Her grandmother reported the mother of three missing on the February 1, 2019, then on Valentine’s Day the same year, she reported to 911 dispatch, a “strange odor” and body found inside a closet in the home where her granddaughter lived.

An autopsy showed Emiley’s death was most likely as a result of strangulation.

“We anticipate one more full week, but of course, with the way things are going, sometimes it goes longer, sometimes it goes shorter,” she said.

The prosecution rested its case Monday- which means the process of direct and cross examinations, and redirect of witnesses is complete.

After the prosecutor rests, no more witnesses can be called to the stand or evidence introduced by the government, according to justice.gov.

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