Local

DNA expert to testify in Sumter Co. double murder trial

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla.,None — A DNA expert is expected to testify on Wednesday in the trial for a Sumter County double murder.

Bill Marquardt is accused of killing two women 11 years ago.

He is representing himself in the trial and during opening statements he said he was framed by drug dealers.

Marquardt claims they planted the knife on him that contains DNA connecting him to the murders.

"At this trial you'll hear that Margarita and Esperanza were killed because drug dealers named Jason Fitts and John Fitts wanted to give me a message, because I would not sell drugs to them,” said Marquardt.

Marquardt told the jury he wasn't even in Florida the day Margarita Ruiz and Esperanza Wells were murdered in March of 2000.