Closing arguments wrap up in Charles Teeple IV trial

by Cam McCann

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The jury is deliberating in the murder trial of Charles Teeple. Prosecutors say Teeple punched Savannah resident Bruce Helmly, who fell into a coma shortly after and died days later.

Closing arguments wrapped up Friday, with the prosecution fighting for convictions on four charges. They include aggravated assault, exploitation and intimidation of an elderly person, with separate felony murder charges attached to both of those.

The defense claimed that the logic used by the prosecution involved inferring that the punch caused Helmly’s death. The prosecution used statements from the doctor who provided the autopsy that say his cause of death was from an assault.

Both sides agree that the punch happened.

But the jury will decide whether Helmly’s death was the direct result of that punch, or whether he could have died due to other medical issues.

We’ll bring you the verdict here and on WTOC+ as soon as we get it.