Bird trial coming to an end

Closing arguments are wrapping up right now in the case of an 82-year-old Rexburg man accused of sexually abusing a young girl.

Defendant Ronald Bird testified on the stand today. Bird said he feels like he’s the victim in the case. He said this case has taken three years of his life away.

He seemed bothered and upset every time he described the incidents involving a 4-year-old between April and September of 2009. He was asked if he contacted the girl’s parents.

“I felt too embarrassed to tell anybody expect for my next-door neighbor. I talked to him and I told him what she did,” said Bird.

Bird is charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16 and three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 16 years of age. Examination for the defense wrapped up a couple of hours ago.

The jurors started deliberating around 5 p.m. tonight. We will keep you updated on when that verdict is reached.