State rests its case in Clifford Brewer murder trial

PONTIAC (25 News Now) - The prosecution has rested its case on day four of the Clifford Brewer murder trial in Livingston County.

Brewer is accused of murdering Shirley and Christian Brewer, and Norman Walker on Christmas Day in 2019.

The prosecution spent Thursday morning calling witnesses that worked with Brewer at Pontiac Correctional Center. One says he spoke about divorcing his wife in the days before the murders. Another says he looked “rough” and “very tired.”

Prosecutors also played video of a jailhouse visit between Brewer and his daughter. In the approximate 30 minute video, Brewer repeatedly asserts he did not do it, and blames his wife Shirley for the crimes.

Brewer says in the video he woke up to find his son and family friend dead, with his wife Shirley alive. He claims she said “We can fix this.” A struggle ensued, with Shirley allegedly pulling the trigger on herself. The prosecution strongly disputed that in opening statements.

On Thursday afternoon, the defense will present its case, and will call two ISP specialists and Brewer’s daughter Bonnie to testify.

The jury will have the day off Friday - as lawyers debate jury instructions.

The jury likely won’t get this case until Monday or Tuesday next week at the earliest.

You can follow along with reporter Alex Gaul in the courtroom on Twitter.

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