Polygamist sex assault case goes to jury

SAN ANGELO, Texas - The child sexual assault case against Warren Jeffs was in the hands of a Texas jury yesterday, after the polygamist leader stood mostly mute for his closing argument.

Jeffs, who acted as his own attorney, stood expressionless, staring at the floor, for all but a few seconds of the half hour he was allotted. At one point he mumbled, “I am peace,’’ and said no more.

The 55-year-old head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is accused of assaulting two underage girls he had taken as so-called spiritual wives. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.