COCOA, Fla. — The trial for the Brevard County man accused of burying a former beauty queen began Monday.
Darice Knowles, 22, was found dead 2010 and prosecutors believe her accused killer, Vahtiece Kirkman, was worried she could link him and another man to a different murder.
The prosecution's main witness is Christopher Pratt, Knowles ex-boyfriend, who had already admitted to his role in the murder and is testifying as part of his plea deal.
Kirkman, who is already serving a life sentence for one murder, heard opening statements Monday that could put him on death row.
Knowles was a college student and former Bahamian beauty queen. Prosecutors said she was buried alive and encased in concrete in a wooded area of Cocoa.
Prosecutors said her death was at the hands of Pratt by the direction of Kirkman.
Pratt said Kirkman was upset the Knowles went on a date with a Cocoa police officer and was concerned she would talk about the murder of Willie Parker.
The defense decided to not give an opening statement.
Pratt is expected to testify in front jurors Tuesday morning.
Cox Media Group
