LaFAYETTE — The murder trial of Sam Parker will enter its third week on Monday, but could be over a few days earlier than expected.

The trial began Aug. 17 in Walker County Superior Court and was originally expected to last three weeks.

Judge Bo Wood told the courtroom on Friday that the case is ahead of schedule and he dismissed the jurors after the defense rested.

Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday.

Sam Parker, a former LaFayette police officer, is accused of killing his estranged wife, Theresa Parker, who was last seen on March 21, 2007. A body has not been found.

The following is a look at highlights from the past week:

Monday, Day 6: Parker says in taped interview he has no idea of where his wife is

Prosecutor Leigh Patterson submitted an audio recording and a transcript from the interview with Sam Parker by GBI Special Agent Jack Harris.

In the interview, Sam Parker said he thought the relationship was OK, and he had no knowledge of the whereabouts of his wife, but thought the disappearance was suspicious. He said in the interview that the bad feelings between them should be put on hold until she is found.

Tuesday, Day 7: Theresa Parker in Mexico?

The court hears more taped interviews between Sam Parker and investigators. Parker told them his wife was in Cancun with a Mexican named Elvis.

Wednesday, Day 8: Sam Parker’s previous wife tells of violence

Keila Beard, who was married to Sam Parker in the late 1980s, testified that Sam once held her down with a gun and threatened to kill her. She told the court about an incident she said occurred in December 1989, while they were separated.

Sam Parker took out his police revolver, got on top of her on the couch, placed the gun to her temple and threatened to shoot her, she told the court.

Thursday, Day 9: Prosecution rests after sisters testify

The prosecution rests after calling Theresa Parker’s sisters to the stand. The jury heard testimony about an incident when Sam Parker flew into a rage, prompting the couple to consider divorce.

Friday, Day 10: Neighbor sees suspicious men

Defense witness Martha Lewis told the court she saw some suspicious men around the Parker household a day after Theresa Parker was last seen alive.

Lewis said one of the men told her, “You don’t need to be around there.”

Prosecutor Leigh Patterson questioned Lewis’ ability to correctly identify the vehicles. The defense rested.