The second-degree murder trial of Christopher Gale has come a close and the jury began deliberations Wednesday morning.

Gale, 31, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, 21-year-old Jocelyn Bishop, in the summer of 2010.

Around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday the jury began deliberating after Justice Andrew Goodman outlined the legal aspects of the case and they jury’s responsibilities.

Closing statements from the Crown and defence were delivered on Tuesday. Both sides had rested after a final day of testimony from the accused on Friday.

During his testimony, Gale again claimed Bishop shot herself after they had a fight and he buried her in the backyard of their Fanshawe Park Road home so he could still see her every day.

However, the Crown contends that it was Gale who shot his girlfriend before burying her.

A verdict is expected at any time.