Closing arguments begin in trial of LA firefighter accused of beating woman

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Closing arguments began Wednesday in the case of a firefighter and his mother on trial over a physical altercation with a woman feeding stray cats in West Adams. Wednesday marked the ninth day of the trial.

Los Angeles firefighter Ian Eulian, 38, is accused of battery causing serious bodily injury. His mother, Lonieta Fontaine, 71, is accused of accessory after the fact for lying about the incident, which was recorded by surveillance camera in September 2013. Eulian is seen on video repeatedly punching Rebecca Stafford, 47.

Eulian and his mother are accused of attacking Stafford for feeding stray cats in their West Adams neighborhood.

During his closing argument Wednesday defense attorney Robert Schwartz told the jury that Eulian was protecting his mother.

"Why, ladies and gentleman, would this man, a distinguished member of the Los Angeles city fire department for 13 years, a man who has given to the community, a man who is not violent, a man who is honest, why would that man, why would Ian Eulian engage in violent actions against the alleged victim, Ms. Stafford?" defense attorney Robert Schwartz asked the jury.

In his closing argument, prosecutor Joshua Ritter told the jury that Eulian punched Stafford out of anger, nothing more.

"Was it reasonable to rip this woman from her car, push her head to the ground and level her with a punch so hard it knocks her unconscious -- is that reasonable?" prosecutor Joshua Ritter asked the jury. "Ian Eulian was not defending himself or his mother that night. He was angry. No, he was full of rage and he made the decision to take it out on Rebecca Stafford. Hold him responsible for his actions."

Closing arguments are scheduled to resume on Friday.

If convicted, Eulian could go to prison for seven years.