May 1, 2008 2:12 pm US/Eastern
Trial Begins For Man Accused In Girl's 2006 Murder
WAYNESBURG (KDKA) ―
The trial of the man accused in the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Greene County got underway today.
Jeffery Martin, 50, is facing charges in the June 2006 sexual assault and strangling death of Gabrielle Bechen. Authorities found Bechen's body buried on a Waynesburg horse farm five days after she went missing.
KDKA's Harold Hayes reports that four of what is expected to be 26 prosecution witnesses took the stand this morning. Bechen's father has taken the stand this afternoon.
In testimony earlier today, police and FBI forensics experts described the items that they say Martin buried in an attempt to hide them from investigators including the victim's body, her ATV, as well as her helmet and shoes.
In opening statements this morning, prosecutors pointed to both the defendant's help in the search party during the days Bechen was missing and Martin's statement to police.
The prosecution said, "In his confession he said Gabrielle told him she was going to tell her parents he molested her. So he chased her down and strangled her."
But in their opening statements, the defense said, "I'm afraid that there's a presumption that Jeff Martin is guilty. The law commands you presume he is innocent."
The defense also claimed that Martin's alleged confession was coerced.
On Wednesday, jury selection wrapped up after 80 potential jurors were interviewed over several days.
Martin may face the death penalty if he is convicted.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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