The trial of Andres Avalos, charged with murdering his wife Amber Avalos, neighbor Denise Potter, and Rev. James “Tripp” Battle, begins with opening statements on Monday. Avalos is accused of shooting his wife and neighbor at his home in Bradenton, Florida on December 4, 2014. He then allegedly went to the Bayshore Baptist Church, where he killed. Rev. Battle. Watch the trial live in the player above when opening statements begin at
Prosecutors are looking for the death penalty, and claim that Avalos confessed to the crimes when he was arrested two days later the alleged murders. Defense attorneys have reportedly said that they are planning on using an insanity defense, saying that Avalos has schizophrenia. That could eliminate the death penalty.
The jury, which on Friday was narrowed down to 12 plus two alternates, is made up of 10 women and four men.
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