Mayville, NY -The man accused of murdering a well - liked Southern Tier couple will soon learn his fate.
On Wednesday a jury heard closing arguments in the case against Davide Coggins, who is actually a cousin of the man he is accused of killing.
The first-degree-murder trial for Coggins, 35, of Elmira included more than 300 pieces of evidence and dozens of witnesses. He stands accused in the April 2013 home invasion and slayings of Gordon and Joyce Skinner in their Carroll Township home.
And with all that to consider it comes down to this claim from Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley: "David Coggins planned and executed it and he solicited the help of three individuals."
But there's this counter claim from Defense Attorney Nathaniel Barone "Just because Mr. Foley introduced over 300 pieces of evidence doesn't mean that their case is any stronger against David Coggins. It doesn't mean that he's proven his case beyond a reasonable doubt."
Barone attacked the credibility of two of the three men who were also involved in the case. Two of them pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges and Barone cited their criminal histories "You really don't think either one of those two people are going to do whatever they can to save their own lives. They've lied to everybody including us."
But the prosecutor says Coggins was indeed the ringleader who enlisted the three other younger men to go with him on the drive from Elmira to the Skinner's Chautauqua County home. Foley says Coggins knew they had cash, jewelry and guns in their home. He also says Coggins said he would take care of them if need be with the stabbing of the couple and actually setting Gordon Skinner's body on fire. "He's getting them there so he could do what he said he was gonna do. Burglarize and kill that couple."
The judge will instruct the jury and give them instructions on Thursday. Then they will begin deliberating as they consider all the testimony and evidence in this trial which has lasted nine weeks. If convicted Coggins will face a sentence of life in prison without parole.
