GRAND FORKS, ND (KXNET) — The defense has rested its case Tuesday morning in the Nichole Rice murder trial. The defense called only one witness: James Douglas Kouns, a former FBI investigator who now owns a private investigation firm, as its expert witness. Kouns essentially testified that poli ce failed to follow up on leads that pointed to other credible suspects in the 2007 murder of Anita Knutson other than Nichole Rice. Closing arguments are next and the case could go to the jury Tuesday afternoon. The trial began March 17, with jury selection. Opening statements and testimony began March 18. Rice is accused of killing Anita Knutson in June 2007 in an apartment the two shared. Roughly 15 years passed before charges were brought against Rice in 2022. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less