Opening statements begin for Jose Villagomez’s alleged role in the death of Marilyn Pharis

As part of her opening statement, Prosecutor Ann Bramson showed several pictures of Mariyln Pharis as she was treated at the hospital.

Pharis was allegedly beaten and sexually assaulted by Victor Martinez – the prosecution says Jose Villagomez was the lookout.

Bramson says investigators found a few things in Pharis’ backyard including Villagomez’s DNA on a soda bottle as well as footprints that matched shoes Villagomez was wearing when police found him several days later.

During his conversations with the police, Bramson says Villagomez told officers he didn’t feel bad if Mariyln died because he wasn’t the one who hurt her.

The prosecution argues Pharis died of a blood clot during her stay at the hospital.

Defense attorney Michael Scott asked the jury to consider – if Villagomez entered Pharis’ home with the intent to steal, why were none of her belongings found on him when he was arrested?

Scott also posed the question whether a sexual assault took place and if Villagomez even played a role in her death.

Both the prosecution and defense will be bringing in key witnesses like the pathologists who treated Mariyln and experts the defense says will prove Villagomez has a brain deficiency that causes him not to think properly.

Everyone involved in this case is expected to be back at the courthouse at 9:30 Wednesday morning.