Jurors break for weekend in Bechler murder trial

-- Deepa Bharath

SANTA ANA -- Jurors are scheduled to return Monday to decide the fate

of Eric Bechler, the man accused of killing his wife during a boating

trip off the Newport Beach coast in 1997.

Jurors left the courtroom after about five hours of deliberation

Friday. They started late Wednesday afternoon after listening to closing

arguments from both sides. If convicted, Bechler faces life in prison

without the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors allege they have a taped confession that proves Bechler

murdered his 38-year-old wife, Pegye, by hitting her on the head and

sinking her body into the ocean with 70 pounds of weight.

Bechler has pleaded not guilty, saying his wife fell off the speedboat

she was driving while towing him on a bodyboard, after they were both hit

by a giant wave. His wife’s body has never been found.

Family members and friends of Eric and Pegye Bechler have been

regulars at the trial.

Bechler’s mother and Pegye’s mother, brother and sisters, as well as

members of the media, sat on chairs outside of the courtroom Friday

awaiting the jury’s decision.

Jurors will resume discussion Monday at 9 a.m.