Defense Rests in Parker Trial

MANGUM, Okla. (AP/Staff) – The defense in the trial of a former deputy warden’s wife who is accused of helping a convicted killer escape from prison has rested its case without calling her to the witness stand. Lawyers for Bobbi Parker rested their case in Mangum, Okla., around 1:45 p.m. Monday. Jurors were sent home as lawyers for both sides rounded up rebuttal witnesses. Defense attorneys have called 38 witnesses since prosecutors wrapped up their case on Aug. 24. Lead attorney Garvin Isaacs said he planned on having Parker testify but said he changed his mind because he believes everyone is tired.

Prosecutors have charged Parker with assisting a prisoner to escape for allegedly helping Randolph Dial break out of the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994. Parker’s attorneys say Dial kidnapped her and held her hostage. The two were found on a chicken ranch in Shelby County, Texas, in 2005.