Jury deliberates in Darien triple murder trial of Johnny Borizov

May 14, 2013 (WHEATON, Ill.)

The DuPage County jurors got the case around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the same day they heard closing arguments.

DuPage County Assistant States Attorney Bernie Murray told jurors that Borizov used Jacob Nodarse as a "patsy." During the trial, Nodarse testified against his friend, saying Borizov "manipulated" him into carrying out the March 2010 killing of Jeffrey and Lori Kramer, and their son, Michael, 20.

Murray also argued that in recorded jailhouse conversations, Borizov tried to keep Nodarse from talking to police.

"Where is the outrage, where is the SOB, what did you do?" Assistant States Attorney Bernie Murray said.

Borizov's defense argued that Nodarse's testimony is not believable because of Nodarse's drug use and mental illness.

"He was a dope fiend," defense attorney Susana Ortiz said.

During the murder trial, Nodarse said he moved between "reality" and "nightmares" during the murders inside the family's Darien home. Nodarse pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murder of Jeffrey Kramer.

Borizov was in a bitter custody battle with the Kramer's daughter, Angela, at the time of the murders.

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