SKOWHEGAN (AP) — Closing arguments are expected in the trial of a Maine man charged with killing a woman more than three decades ago.

Fifty-seven-year-old Jay Mercier, of Industry, is accused in the killing of Rita St. Peter, whose battered body was found on the roadside in Anson in July 1980. Mercier was tied to the killing through DNA evidence.

Prosecutors say St. Peter was last seen leaving a tavern in Madison late on July 4, 1980, and Mercier was seen in the same area that night. They said tracks from the scene matched the pickup truck he was driving at the time.

Defense attorney John Martin said DNA evidence may show Mercier and St. Peter had sex but that doesn’t prove he killed her.

WCSH-TV reports that closing arguments are expected today.

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