Watsonville Murder Trial: Closing Arguments Begin

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Closing arguments began Monday before a Santa Cruz County Superior Court jury in the trial of a Watsonville man accused of killing a 4-year-old girl and 33-year-old rival gang member outside of a restaurant, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported. The Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office charged Michael Escobar, 36, with six counts related to first degree murder, participating in a gang, assault with a firearm and resisting peace officers. He is also charged with special allegations, which prosecutors may tack on to charges to enhance a punishment.

The incident occurred in 2014, outside of the Fish House Bar & Grill in Watsonville.

On Monday, prosecutors played 911 calls and security camera footage from that night, the Sentinel reported. Escobar's attorney, Jay Rorty, asked jurors to find Escobar not guilty, but acknowledged he was guilty of second degree murder and lesser crimes.

Some jurors cried as the 911 tapes played, KSBW reported. A voice could be heard screaming Jaelyn's name.

"Don't die, please don't die," a voice on the tape said, KSBW reported.

Read more about the case at the Santa Cruz Sentinel and KSBW.