Defense alleges several 'coincidences' in state's case, but Villarreal found guilty

GRAND FORKS — The defense in the Vincent Villarreal trial pointed out several issues in the state s case, but, ultimately, the jury on Thursday found the defendant guilty of murder. Villarreal, 34, has been convicted of Class AA felony murder with extreme indifference, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was found guilty of fatally shooting his father, Jeffrey Allen Shulzitski, at the Budget Inn Express on Dec. 4, 2020. The state rested its case Tuesday after calling 29 witnesses. The defense opened and rested its case Wednesday without calling any witnesses. The defense, represented by Ward Johnson and Christian Clapp, focused on creating reasonable doubt within the jury to prevent conviction. As explained by the state, represented by Rachel Rae Egstad and Sarah Gereszek, the concept of beyond a reasonable doubt doesn t mean 100% certainty. Gereszek said it's like waking up with snow on the ground. A person can reasonably assume it snowed overn