ROLLING MEADOWS - A verdict may be announced Monday afternoon in the case of a Bloomington real estate agent accused of murdering her friend and business partner.

Diana Thames, now 50, has been on trial in the 2005 stabbing death of Cindy Wolosick in Palatine.

Cook County Judge John Scotillo said it is his goal to rule in the bench trial on Monday before he leaves for a conference that will take him away from the bench until Feb. 11.

Testimony concluded Thursday.

The state contends that the two women became involved in an argument that turned deadly in Wolosick's apartment in August 2005. Prosecutors argued that the business was experiencing financial difficulties.

Testimony from medical experts during the two-week bench trial indicates that Wolosick was stabbed with such force that the tip of a knife broke off in her skull. Thames' defense team headed by Chicago lawyer Kathleen Zeller argued that Thames was physically incapable of inflicting the serious wounds.

The final prosecution witness testified that Thames was able to help with a woodworking project after surgery on her wrists.

The last defense witness countered that Thames was unable to perform many tasks at the home rehab business she co-owned with Wolosick in Bloomington.

After closing arguments Thursday, Zeller said shortcomings in the police investigation and a case based largely on circumstantial evidence should lead to an acquittal. Among the police errors was the failure to perform DNA tests for any possible male suspects, said Zeller.

Among the most telling pieces of evidence is the lack of Thames' DNA under the victim's fingernails, said Zeller, something that would be expected in a brutal knife attack.

"I feel very strongly that there is reasonable doubt in this case," said Zellner.