Shane Murder Trial Nears End

A jury of eight man and four women could begin deliberating on the fate of Sina Khankhanian, the man accused of murdering Malibu eighth-grader , as early as Thursday. The final trial witnesses are expected to testify today and closing arguments should take place Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Katherine Mader told the jury on Tuesday at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles.

Khankhanian, 28, is charged with second-degree murder for his role in the death of Emily, who was killed April 3, 2010 when she was struck by Khankhanian's vehicle while standing on the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway near the Heathercliff Road intersection. If convicted, he would face 15 years to life in state prison.

It is possible that Mader could tell the jury it also has the option to convict Khankhanian of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of four years. He would get credit for being in custody since Emily's death, and be free in 2014 at the latest.

This week, the jury heard from Khankhanian's mother Farideh and neuropsychologist Mary Elizabeth Large, who discussed the defendant's mental health. His disorders—which the witnesses said include autism, Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder—prevented him from appreciating the danger he created by his erratic driving that eventually led to the crash that killed Emily.

Prosecutor Marna Miller asked the witnesses questions to confirm Khankhanian at least knows and has followed basic driving rules and safety precautions, allowing him to get a driver's license and giving his parents the confidence to purchase him the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer that caused Emily's death.

Look for coverage of this week's testimony Thursday morning on Malibu Patch.

The trial is taking place in Department D on the eighth floor of the courtroom, which is located at 11701 South La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles. Today's session will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Everything but the jury deliberation is open to the public.