By Jessica Moorel

Staff Writer

As the paper went to press Thursday, the verdict in a child abuse trial was still undecided.

Rickey Hickman, 55, of Murfreesboro, is accused of sexually abusing a relative in 2009.

During opening statements, prosecutors referred to the incidents as "despicable, disgusting, and unacceptable."

Defense attorney Bill Haywood suggested during his opening statement the child had been coached and badgered into making these accusations, and that children can be easily influenced. The defense also suggested the family of the victim and the defendant were in the midst of a feud pertaining to money when these accusations took place.

Witnesses called by the prosecution included the victim, her mother, and her stepfather. The victim, told the jury how many times the incidents occurred and gave her best recollection of where and what happened, and how she felt because of it. She explained that she was afraid of him and that is why it took her so long to come forward.

Detective Bob Johnson of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, testifying Thursday morning, explained why it took so long to bring Hickman to trial after the victim made her accusations. Johnson said Hickman lived in a camper trailer, and kept moving around, missing many appointments with him and the prosecutor's office, in fact "hiding out" to escape prosecution.

In the defense portion of the case, two witnesses were discounted because their testimony was all hearsay. Hickman testified on his own behalf, casting doubt on almost everything prosecution witnesses had said.

The trial resumed after lunch Thursday with closing arguments from both sides, to be followed by Judge Lee Russell's instructions, and jury deliberations.

Check www.marshalltribune.com for the verdict, and next Wednesday's Tribune for the full story of the trial.