Attorneys presented their opening statements in the murder trial of a Berks County man who was once one of America's most-wanted fugitives.
Miguel Torres stands accused of shooting his estranged wife to death on a parking lot just outside the courthouse in downtown Reading on Sept. 12, 2005.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Kurland told the jury Monday morning that Barbie Torres moved out of her home and filed for divorce from her husband just a few weeks before she was killed.
"When the defendant shot Barbie Torres in the back and the face, he was intending to kill her," Kurland said. "He did so not just to hurt her, but to end her life."
Miguel Torres' attorney, Robert Kirwan, told jurors he will point out inconsistencies in witness statements provided by the prosecution.
"I expect the evidence in this case will be anything but clear," Kirwan said. "I will test the patience of this court, but I will drag the truth out."
Kirwan said his client will take the stand during the trial and tell the jurors his side of the story.
"You're going to hear from him and tell what really happened that day," Kirwan said.
Torres, formerly of Exeter Township, fled the country after the homicide and remained on the run from the law until his capture in Italy on March 15, 2013, officials said.
The snowfall Monday morning briefly delayed the start of Torres' trial, which is being heard by a jury being bused in each day from York County.
With more snow in the forecast, the judge said he expects to start two hours late Tuesday morning.
Security is tight for the trial, with each person in attendance being required to pass through a metal detector before entering the courtroom.
The judge has also banned cell phones in the courtroom, as well as postings to Facebook and Twitter.
WFMZ's Ryan Hughes is in the courtroom. He'll have a complete report on the first day's proceedings on 69 News at 5:30.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1uShKjE
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