Jamel Good could learn his fate as early as Friday afternoon.

Good, 28, 389 Blue Ridge Road, is charged with murder in the death of 31-year-old Maria Fernandez who disappeared Sept. 3, 2008, after finishing her shift at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home. Fernandez’s skeletal remains were found Jan. 7 by a utility worker beneath some power lines off Highpoint Road in the Carlisle area.

The fourth day of Good’s trial saw the defense both begin and rest its case within the space of less than six hours. Among those testifying on the defense’s behalf were botanist Dr. Karen Hall; Sharon Campbell, guardian ad litem of Good’s and Fernandez’s 6-year-old son; Good’s grandfather, Raymond Whiteside; Jasmine Land, Good’s daughter; Linda Whiteside, Good’s mother; and private detective Phillip Rice.

The state began its case late Monday afternoon and did not rest until 9:45 a.m. Thursday.

Just after the state rested its case, defense attorney Doug Brannon asked Judge James Williams for a directed verdict of not guilty on the grounds the state could not produce evidence of how Fernandez had died; how her remains ended up in Carlisle; and did not have a murder weapon.

Williams denied Brannon’s motion saying he believed there was sufficient basis for continuing the trial.

Testifying on behalf of the defense Thursday was botanist Hall who testified the grass found in the undercarriage of Good’s car is found in 43 of South Carolina’s 46 counties. The grass, which grows beneath the power lines where Fernandez’s remains were found has been presented as evidence by the state.

Another piece of the state’s case was Good’s cleaning out his car the night of Fernandez’s death. The defense contends he was cleaning up white paint that had spilled out of a paint gun. Good’s grandfather, Raymond Whiteside, testified Thursday this is indeed what happened because he’d been the one to spill it.

The state also introduced as evidence a signal from a cellphone owned by Good bounced off a tower in Carlisle the night of Fernandez’s disappearance. Good’s daughter, Jasmine, testified the phone was hers and that the night of Fernandez’s disappearance it was in the possession of her aunt who lives in Carlisle.

Once the defense rested its case, Brannon renewed his motion for a directed motive of not guilty. Williams again denied saying he felt there still was sufficient evidence to turn the matter over to the jury.

In adjourning the trial until 9:30 a.m. Friday, Williams told the jurors the state and the defense would present their closing arguments. After the closing arguments are presented, Williams will charge the jury to its responsibilities under the law. Once the charge is presented, the jury will begin deliberations.