Closing arguments end with the murder trial of a 14-year-old girl accused of murdering her aunt

PHOENIX (AZ family) — The state and defense presented 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 when his aunt was murdered.

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

During closing arguments, as autopsy and crime scene photos of her final moments were shown, a piercing cry of pain and grief was heard from Tonya Harpers’ family.

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

On February 1, 2019, Ares reportedly stabbed his aunt 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 is charged with first-degree murder, prosecutors must prove premeditation – and they say the evidence is overwhelming.

“He created a plan, a detailed plan, and he implemented every step of that plan. He knew he wanted to kill Tonya, but he also knew he had to cut the umbilical cords,” the prosecutor said.

The state presented evidence that Ares cut off 13 telephone lines in the house, including the intercom. They also showed that he hid some of his aunts’ cell phones and a bloody knife with Tonya’s blood in the bedroom closet.

Prosecutors said that after taking these actions, Ares knew no one would be able to call for help quickly enough for Tonya to survive.

But no one seems to have proven motive. The defense focused on 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 such a case, when it is not a crime, the motive is not important and does not need to be proven.

“Motive is why, premeditation is how. (The state) doesn’t have to prove why, but (the state) has to prove how,” the prosecutor said.

Ares took the stand on Monday, saying he felt threatened and scared by his aunt’s comments.

“What did he admit to in the dock? He confessed to murder,” his defense lawyer said. “All I have to do is say one of you on this panel says I can’t convict him of first-degree murder.”

The last word before the jury belonged to prosecutors.

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

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

Now we are waiting for the verdict, which may recognize first-degree murder, second-degree murder or unintentional manslaughter.

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