Rapid City Jury to Soon Get Attempted Fetal Homicide Case

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The fate of a man who authorities say spiked his girlfriend's beverages with herbs to try to induce an abortion will soon be in the hands of a Rapid City jury.

Both the prosecution and the defense rested their cases Thursday in the trial of 36-year-old Alfredo Vargas. The jury will get the case after attorneys from both sides give closing arguments.

Vargas is charged with attempted fetal homicide. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Authorities allege Vargas laced Lisa Komes' drinks with an herb that in large quantities can cause an abortion. The substance he's accused of using is called pulegone, an oil found in a common cooking mint extract.

Komes in October 2010 delivered a healthy baby boy.

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