Tom Lambert's closing argument challenges the defense's DNA-contamination theory, citing Gerdes' answers about RFLP results, controls and two disputed items, as well as Popovich's review. Lambert also questions why Blake and Lee were not called and discusses Gerdes' compensation. Petrocelli follows with a substantial rebuttal addressing motive, the civil burden, physical evidence, the defense's timeline and police-misconduct theories. After final instructions, the jury retires to deliberate at 2:26 p.m.

• Lambert cites Gerdes' admissions that the RFLP results were reliable, the controls showed zero contamination, and Gerdes found no actual contamination
• Lambert highlights the defense's failure to call Blake and Lee as a critical weakness
• Lambert notes that Gerdes was paid $40,000 but identified only two items
• Lambert argues that Gerdes' admissions undermine the defense's contamination claims