Judge expects to rule Thursday in bench trial of man accused of kidnapping, killing Jacksonville teen in 1985

Closing arguments will begin Thursday morning in the murder trial of David Nelson Austin, who is accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 17-year-old Leslie McCray in Jacksonville on Christmas Eve 1985.WATCH: News4JAX is streaming the trial live. Press play above to watch, starting at 10 a.m. (WARNING: Trial will include graphic content; News4JAX is not in control of what shows on the screen)Investigators say advances in DNA technology helped link Austin to the cold case decades later. He was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in August 2021 and has opted for a bench trial. That means his case will be decided by a judge and not a jury.Prosecutors presented their case against Austin to Judge Meredith Charbula on Wednesday, and the defense countered with a motion to acquit, saying the state had not met its burden of proof.Charbula denied the motion and will hear closing arguments Thursday before deliberating and making her ruling. She indicated she would likely need a