Closing arguments underway in trial of teen murder trial

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (WNYT) – Closing arguments are underway in the trial of the teen accused of killing 14-year-old Samantha Humphrey in Schenectady four years ago. Raymond Wright Jr. is charged with second-degree murder in Humphrey’s death. She went missing the day after Thanksgiving 2022 and her body was found in the Mohawk River in February 2023. On Friday, October 30, the prosecution and defense came to an agreement to allow the jury to consider the lesser offense of first-degree manslaughter. During his closing arguments, Wright’s attorney Peter Lynch attempted to make the claim that Humphrey died by suicide. Lynch said the autopsy is not conclusive as to whether she jumped in the river or not. He pointed out that Humphrey had been admitted to Four Winds twice and Ellis Hospital once for mental health issues. She stayed for 10 days each time. Lynch said she had attempted suicide five times. The prosecution has said during the case that Wright strangled Humphrey, who