Yuma, AZ- Preston strong is accused of killing doctor Satinder Gill in November of 2007. Yuma Police say Dr. Gill was found dead in his home from Asphyxiation and a large sum of money was also discovered missing from his home.
This morning opening statements were heard from both sides.
"Evidence will reveal that this case is about jealousy, one man's greed and one man's need for respect. The evidence in this case will show that one man has the greed and jealousy and need for respect and that is Preston Strong," says William Katz the State Prosecutor.
Prosecutors say they believe evidence will support Strong had motives to kill Dr.Gill. They say Dr. Gill had interest in Strong's on and off again girl friend who worked with Dr. Gill at the Desert Heart Vascular Center.
They also allege strong needed money. The defense tells a different story.
"Here is the rest of the story, the government never bother to mention the extra set of finger prints they found at the scene and what the witnesses have to say. I want to talk about this case when the police were called on November 2007," says Kristi Riggins, Preston Strong's attorney.
Strong's attorney says the state has no real evidence against strong. Riggins claims there are no eyewitnesses and no physical evidence connecting strong to the murder of Dr. Gill.
She also claims there was evidence over looked at the scene of the crime which was Dr. Gill's home.
Prosecutors brought in their first witness, Strong's ex girl friend, Adriana Guzman Ozuna to learn more about strong and the relationship between her and Dr.Gill.
Strong faces a laundry list of charges which include first degree murder, kidnapping and armed burglary.
Strong has opted for a bench trial which means his fate lies in the hands of Superior Court Judge John Nelson.
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