MONROE COUNTY, MI (WTOL) - The man convicted of killing a Monroe woman and then dumping her body appeared in court Friday morning.
Daniel Clay asked a judge for a new hearing or for his conviction to be reduced in the killing Chelsea Bruck.
His attorney claims the jury found Clay guilty based on assumption and insufficient evidence regarding sexual assault. The defense believes that there wasn't enough evidence in the trial to clearly prove that criminal sexual misconduct had occurred. Clay testified that he was having consensual sex with Bruck.
However, the state argued there was plenty of evidence to lead a jury to convict Clay.
"Solid evidence supported the felony murder verdict," said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Roehrig. "The jury was entitled to and did make reasonable finding of fact and reasonable inferences based on those facts to convict the defendant of first degree murder."
However, the judge said the prosecution brought enough evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that sexual assault did occur. The jury's verdict was upheld.
"The jury clearly had enough information and did find beyond by a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of felony murder and accordingly the motion for a judgment not withstanding the verdict and or a new trial are denied," said Judge Daniel White.
Clay is expected to be sentenced for the murder next week.
