Opening statements planned for Wednesday in Essex shooting trial
Wednesday July 9, 2008
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)
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Nearly two years after a shooting spree in Essex killed two and wounded two others, the trial of suspect Christopher Williams is set to start today.
Opening statements are planned for this morning, following two days of jury selection.
The 29-year-old Williams is accused in a 2006 shooting spree that prosecutors say was triggered by his breakup with a girlfriend.
He is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Last week a judge ruled Williams was competent to stand trial after a psychiatrist hired by the state testified that he was faking mental illness.
Prosecutors plan to call six to eight witnesses today, out of a total of 35 during the entire trial. The trial is expected to last until the end of next week or longer.
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