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Published April 23, 2012, 10:15 PM

Prosecution wraps up case in ND decapitation trial

Prosecutors have wrapped up their case in the trial of a Cooperstown man accused of killing and decapitating a North Dakota State University researcher.

COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) — Prosecutors have wrapped up their case in the trial of a Cooperstown man accused of killing and decapitating a North Dakota State University researcher.

Daniel Wacht has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of Kurt Johnson, who was last seen alive on New Year's Eve 2010 after a night of drinking in a Cooperstown bar. Johnson's head was found in Wacht's basement. His body has not been found.

One witness testified Monday that she noticed in a visit to Wacht's house after New Year's Eve that it smelled like floor cleaner and one of two couches was missing. Authorities say they found a cushion soaked with Johnson's blood outside Wacht's home.

WDAZ-TV reports that Steven Mottinger, Wacht's attorney, says he needs one day to present his witnesses.

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