On Monday, in Dauphin County court, a jury was selected in the murder trial of a Harrisburg man accused of killing his estranged wife in December 2011.
Donnell Price, is accused of killing his estranged wife, Tarina Price. Tarina was a 33-year-old mother and beloved eighth grade teacher at Harrisburg's Roland School. She is alleged to have been severely assaulted by her estranged husband, Donnell at her home, while two of her children were sleeping.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Gettle said in her opening remarks that Tarina and Donnell had been married, but drifted apart and were living separate lives.
Gettle alleges, after Tarina and her four and five year old sons had returned from a Christmas party, Donnell went in the house to her bedroom, and stabbed her 27 times. Gettle said she then fled outside, where he shot her in the head.
She says said the defendant had been acting in an obsessive and compulsive fashion days before the murder. She said she will provide evidence to prove he is guilty of first degree premeditated murder with malice.
In his opening remarks, Public Defender Ari Weitzmam told the jury the victim's death was not premeditated, but a crime of passion. He'd lost his job and was losing his wife and losing his children. He said that he did not intend her death to be the outcome.
Testimony continues Tuesday morning at 8:30 in Dauphin County Court.
Donnell Price, is accused of killing his estranged wife, Tarina Price. Tarina was a 33-year-old mother and beloved eighth grade teacher at Harrisburg's Roland School. She is alleged to have been severely assaulted by her estranged husband, Donnell at her home, while two of her children were sleeping.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Gettle said in her opening remarks that Tarina and Donnell had been married, but drifted apart and were living separate lives.
Gettle alleges, after Tarina and her four and five year old sons had returned from a Christmas party, Donnell went in the house to her bedroom, and stabbed her 27 times. Gettle said she then fled outside, where he shot her in the head.
She says said the defendant had been acting in an obsessive and compulsive fashion days before the murder. She said she will provide evidence to prove he is guilty of first degree premeditated murder with malice.
In his opening remarks, Public Defender Ari Weitzmam told the jury the victim's death was not premeditated, but a crime of passion. He'd lost his job and was losing his wife and losing his children. He said that he did not intend her death to be the outcome.
Testimony continues Tuesday morning at 8:30 in Dauphin County Court.