Olathe ? Closing arguments are expected to begin today in the trial of a church leader and family baby sitter accused in the suffocation death of the leader’s 9-year-old adopted son.

Brian Edgar died Dec. 30, 2002, after being wrapped in duct tape with only his nose uncovered and left in that condition overnight. His adoptive mother, Christy Edgar, pleaded guilty last week to charges of felony first-degree murder and child abuse.

The boy’s father, Neil Edgar Sr., took the stand Wednesday and testified that his wife was responsible for how their children were disciplined. Also charged is the family baby sitter, Chasity Boyd, who did not testify in her own defense.

During his testimony, Neil Edgar, who was pastor of God’s Creation Outreach Ministry, told the Johnson County District Court jury that his wife ran their church and decided how the children were disciplined.

He said he had never heard his wife discuss being instructed by God to punish children by tying them up.

In testimony Tuesday, former church member Chauntel Williams said that Christy Edgar, who was considered a prophet by some church members, had described getting such instructions from God.

Also on Tuesday, jurors heard Brian’s 12-year-old brother and 9-year-old sister testify that they were tied up with duct tape, black plastic fasteners and other items as punishment for taking food without permission, disobeying and having “an attitude.”

The siblings both said Boyd was the one who usually tied them up at the direction of Christy Edgar.

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning following the testimony of several crime scene investigators and detectives.

One testified about a handwritten note that police found in Christy Edgar’s vehicle. It bore Boyd’s fingerprints.The note said Brian stole a piece of candy at church and then lied about it.

“Brian has not had enough,” the note said.