AKRON, Ohio — The defense rested its case Friday in the trial of a Pennsylvania woman accused of hiring her lover to kill her wealthy husband along the Ohio Turnpike.

Prosecutors say Donna Moonda promised triggerman Damian Bradford half of her multimillion dollar inheritance if he killed Dr. Gulam Moonda, 69.

The 25-year-old Bradford testified against Moonda, and her attorney, Roger Synenberg, has portrayed him as a liar who acted alone.

U.S. District Judge David D. Dowd Jr. said closing statements will begin Thursday, then the case will be turned over to the jury.

Moonda, of Hermitage, could receive the death penalty if convicted. The 48-year-old woman also is charged with interstate stalking and two counts of using or carrying a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.

Bradford has pleaded guilty to interstate stalking and a gun charge and promised to cooperate with authorities in return for a 17Z\x-year sentence.

He testified that on the day of the shooting, May 13, 2005, he followed the couple as they left their home in Hermitage, near the Ohio state line, and pulled in behind them when Donna Moonda stopped their car along the turnpike about 30 miles south of Cleveland. He ran to the passenger side of the car and shot the doctor.