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Hans Reiser, the open-source developer accused of murdering his estranged wife, is facing mounting circumstantial evidence that Nina Reiser, his Russian mail-order bride, did not flee to Russia as he contends. As the prosecution's testimony draws to a close, a series of witnesses have painted a portrait of a mother who would not leave her two children abruptly and a man who was acting suspiciously following the Labor Day weekend when Nina disappeared.

Hans Reiser's neighbor observed the programmer, dressed in heavy clothing despite excellent weather, washing either his car or the driveway late at night just after Nina Reiser disappeared. It was unusual, prosecutors claim, because Reiser was not known for performing outdoor activities and the yard was no cleaner the next day. Natalie Potter, a supervisor at the daycare the couple's two children attend, testified that Hans showed up agitated on the Tuesday following the holiday requesting a meeting. He was not scheduled to pick up the children and never returned for the meeting.

Possibly more damaging was the testimony about Nina's last known activities. She had recently been hired for a new job. The woman who hired her testified that she was excited to start a new job and valued flexibility to spend time with her children over pay. She never returned to complete the hiring process. Also, Nina's mini-van was later found with recently purchased perishable groceries.

Perry Mason may have stressed that a murder prosecution without a body is difficult. CSI purports to teach that there is physical evidence even without a murder weapon and body. But juries weigh evidence, not microscopes. We are a storytelling species, and what real people recount in their own words can often sway more than hard evidence. There's one more story to hear: Hans Reiser will soon have the opportunity to present his own version of what happened to his former wife. (Courtroom sketch by Wired News/Norman Quebedeau)