Prosecution rests case against former University of Oklahoma student accused of severely beating pregnant girlfriend

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – After three days of witness testimony, the state rested its case Thursday within the trial of a former OU scholar accused of beating his pregnant then-girlfriend, Ally Stephens, in October 2020.

Gage Ford was charged with two felony counts of assault and battery for the incident.

The protection crew referred to as for the costs to be dropped to misdemeanors, claiming the prosecution had not supplied sufficient proof to point out the alleged assault confirmed an intent to kill; that request was denied.

The decide within the case, Thad Balkman, informed KFOR the vary of punishment within the case if Ford is convicted could be very broad, and he might face life in jail for each counts.

Further witness testimony Thursday included accounts from a health care provider, a detective, a home violence, advocate and a nurse that conducts home violence proof examinations.

Stephens was rushed to the hospital in October of 2020 lined in bruises and different indicators of abuse, together with extreme swelling, a closed head harm and a concussion.

Prosecutors mentioned she was sixteen weeks pregnant on the time, and alleged Ford was attempting to make her lose the newborn.

Throughout her testimony, the nurse informed the courtroom the accidents she witnessed on Stephens had been among the many worst she had ever seen.

Prosecutors additionally tried to point out a sample of abuse, presenting extra testimony from one other alleged sufferer of Ford, detailing 4 completely different situations of abuse going all through 2021.

When requested by prosecutors why she didn’t alert authorities, she mentioned she was “scared, in denial, and too afraid to press costs, on the time.”

She isn’t being recognized to guard her id.

The jury will come collectively Friday morning for directions earlier than convening to deliberate Ford’s destiny.