Sandusky trial at a glance

A look at the trial of Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach who faces child sexual abuse charges:

KEY DEVELOPMENTS Joe McGettigan, the senior deputy attorney general, told jurors during closing arguments Thursday that Jerry Sandusky is a “predatory pedophile” and his accusers deserve justice that would come with a guilty verdict. Defense attorney Joseph Amendola said the case is a result of overzealous investigators coaching witnesses and accusers seeking big payouts from potential civil lawsuits.

ODDS AND ENDS The number of charges against Sandusky was reduced from 51 to 48. Judge John Cleland found onecount of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one count of aggravated indecent assault weren’t supported by the evidence. Another charge of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse involving another boy was dismissed because Cleland said it duplicated another count.

WHAT’S NEXT The judge, who kept the trial moving at a rapid clip, read instructions to the jurors and they began their deliberations just after 12:10 p.m. Central on Thursday. They will be sequestered until they can reach a decision. Courthouse workers have been put on notice to prepare for work this weekend, if need be. The jury includes nine people with ties to Penn State.