Rodney West one day closer to learning his fate

DOVER, Del. – Rodney West’s murder trial is in its final stages in Kent County. Closing arguments and jury instruction wrapped up on Wednesday. But now the jury has a little more to think about once they start deliberating.

West is charged with first degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony for allegedly shooting Derrick Combs in August 2018. On Wednesday, the judge instructed the jury to include any or all of the following lesser offenses if they find West not guilty of first degree murder: 2nd degree murder, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

This trial essentially comes down to an alleged flirtatious relationship between West and Combs’ wife. There’s no argument about whether West shot Combs or not. The 54-year-old admits he shot Combs four times on the property of a Dover Elementary school last summer. And there’s security footage to back that up. But West says he acted in self defense saying he grew fearful after reported harassment by Combs for months testifying that he never wanted to hurt anyone.

In order to be convicted of first degree murder in Delaware the jury must find enough evidence that West intentionally killed Combs.The state believes it has presented all the evidence to prove West is guilty. But the defense argues that West felt threatened and did what he thought was the only thing that could save his own life.

The jury should be sent into deliberation early Thursday morning. West has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

To see coverage on day six of this trial: click here.