Closing arguments set Thursday in Quinton Tellis bench trial

MONROE, La. — Closing arguments are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the bench trial of Quinton Tellis, who is charged with the 2015 murder of Monroe woman Mandy Hsiao.

Both the state and the defense rested their cases Friday after several days of testimony. Testimony presented to Judge Larry Jefferson included cell phone tower analysis, bank records and witness accounts that prosecutors say connect Tellis to Hsiao’s death and the subsequent use of her bank accounts.

Because this is a bench trial, Judge Jefferson rather than a jury will decide guilt. Court officials say the judge is expected to hear the parties’ final arguments Thursday, though he is not expected to issue a ruling that day and no timeline has been given for when a decision is anticipated.

The case stems from a 2015 homicide that has drawn sustained attention in the Monroe community. Closing arguments give each side an opportunity to summarize evidence and legal theories before the judge reaches a verdict, and the outcome will determine whether Tellis is convicted or acquitted. We will provide more information as it becomes available.