2nd defendant in UK soldier murder case will not testify in his defense

LONDON – The trial of two men charged with the brutal slaying of a British soldier in a London street is drawing to a close after the second defendant chose not to offer any evidence in his defense.

A lawyer for 22-year-old Michael Adebowale announced the decision at London's Central Criminal Court on Friday. Adebowale and 28-year-old Michael Adebolajo have pleaded not guilty to murdering Lee Rigby. The soldier was walking near his London barracks in May when he was run over by a car, then stabbed and nearly decapitated.

Adebolajo has admitted the killing but says it was not murder because he is a "soldier of Allah" engaged in a war.

Defense and prosecution lawyers are due to make their closing statements next week.