UPDATE: Final testimonies in Vanbergen murder trial

LOWVILLE- The defense team for Jacob Vanbergen rested its case Wednesday in Lewis County Court.

He is the man on trial for the alleged murder of Brandon Shepker, his former friend and employer.

The two are from the State of Pennsylvania and were visiting the Tug Hill region in early January, 2024, when an altercation occurred between them at the Ridge View Lodge.

Shepker was found there deceased.

According to the latest updates from WWNY-TV, Vanbergen’s defense team called Dr. Kent Harshbarger to the stand as an expert witness. Dr. Harshbarger went over Shepker’s autopsy and gave his opinion on cause of death.

Though Dr. Harshbarger says strangulation is the most likely cause of death, it was pointed out that there was medication and alcohol found in Shepker’s system, which could also be contributing factors.

Due to the Juneteenth holiday, court will not be in session. Instead, jury deliberation is expected to begin on Friday.

Lewis County Courthouse image.