PHOENIX (AZ Family) – The state and defense presented their closing arguments Tuesday in the first-degree murder trial of Ares Adle, who allegedly stabbed his aunt, Tonya Harper, to death in 2019.

Ares was 14 years old at the time of his aunt’s murder.

Although Ares confessed to the crime, his defense team argued that he did not plan the crime. Prosecutors argue otherwise and say that’s exactly what he did.

There were heartbreaking cries of pain and grief from Tonya Harpers’ family during closing arguments as autopsy and crime scene photographs of her final moments were shown.

“What would be Tonya Harper’s last words: ‘I think it was Ares,’” the prosecutor said. “What I didn’t expect was for Tonya to identify him.”

On February 1, 2019, Ares allegedly stabbed his aunt to death in the middle of the night while she was sleeping. The family was in town for a gathering at their home in Sun Lakes, south of Chandler.

Because he was charged with first-degree murder, prosecutors must prove premeditation and say the evidence is overwhelming.

“I had created a plan, a detailed plan, and I was following through on every step of that plan. “I knew I wanted to kill Tonya, but I also knew I had to cut ropes,” the prosecutor said.

The State presented evidence that Ares cut 13 telephone lines, including the intercom system, in the home. They also showed that he hid some of his aunts’ cell phones and the knife stained with Tonya’s blood in his bedroom closet.

Prosecutors said that with those actions taken, Ares knew that no one would be able to call for help quickly enough for Tonya to survive.

But what no one seems to prove is a reason. The defense held on to that.

“If they can’t prove motive, they can’t prove desire, and if they can’t prove desire, they can’t prove intent,” the defense attorney said.

Prosecutors said that in a case like this, where it’s not a whodunit, motive isn’t important and they don’t have to prove it.

“Motive is the why, premeditation is the how. (The) State does not have to prove the why, but it does have to prove the how,” said the prosecutor.

Ares took the stand Monday, claiming he felt threatened and fearful over a comment his aunt made.

“What did he admit on the stand? “He admitted to involuntary manslaughter,” his defense attorney said. “It takes one of you on that panel to say I can’t convict him of first-degree murder.”

Prosecutors had the last word with the jury.

“The evidence showed first-degree premeditated murder: the defendant killed his aunt,” the prosecutor said passionately.

The jury will return to court Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to begin deliberations.

We now await a verdict, which could be first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter.

Do you see a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send to us here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.