Prosecution Wraps Up Case Against Janitor Who Shot Placerville Principal

PLACERVILLE (CBS13) - The prosecution in the trial of a former janitor accused of murdering a popular Placerville school principal wrapped up its case Wednesday.

A ballistics and pathology expert took the stand to testify that bullets found in John Luebbers' .357 magnum matched bullets found in the victim, Schnell School Principal Sam LaCara.

Luebbers, the former head custodian at the school, shot and killed LaCara in February of last year, a few days after the two golfed together. Witnesses say Luebbers was upset he didn't get enough input into a hiring decision on a night janitor.

The defense wanted the judge to allow the jury to consider a manslaughter conviction, but he rejected that option on Thursday afternoon. Luebbers' attorney already conceded in his opening statement that his client killed LaCara, but he argued that the shooting came in the heat of the moment.

Prosecutors are seeking a first-degree murder conviction.

A verdict could come as early as Tuesday when the jury reconvenes.