BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Deliberations will begin later this morning in the murder trial of former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine, who is charged with the death of Angel Downs on May 9.

During closing arguments Friday, Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb said Nodine was upset that Downs was dating other people and wanted to end their six-year relationship.

She told jurors Friday the “totality of the crime scene” is consistent with someone holding her while firing the fatal shot to the head.

“Angel Downs is not a suicide victim,” Newcomb said. “She was murdered.”

Defense attorney Dennis Knizley said Downs had suicidal tendencies and one documented suicide attempt. He said there were no eyewitnesses and no blood found on Nodine’s person or his truck. He said the two often had lovers’ spats, but always were drawn back into the relationship, and that love letters showed their intent for a long-term relationship.

“If you convict on this kind of evidence, you might as well burn the courthouse down,” Knizley said.