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Opening remarks take place in Techel trial
Posted: 02.21.2013 at 3:37 PM
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The first degree murder trial of Seth Techel in underway
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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Opening statements were held Thursday morning at the Wapello County Courthouse in the first degree murder trial of Seth Techel.

Techel is accused of murdering his wife Lisa and their unborn child in May 2012.

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The courtroom was packed with family members, friends and member of the media Thursday, anticipating the opening remarks from the state and defense.

The state presented their opening remarks to the jury in under an hour; focusing more on Seth’s relationship with a co-worker at the Ottumwa Job Corps facility.

The state continued to tell the story, through a timeline of events, leading up to Lisa’s murder, and her unborn child.

On the other side of the aisle, the defense took a few hours to present their opening remarks; focusing on where Seth was and what his actions were at the time of the murder, and how the crime scene was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office.

At one point during the defense’s remarks, the state asked Judge Wilson to excuse the jury so counsel could discuss what can be presented to the jury in opening arguments; being that the state had some reservations about what the defense was presenting.

Court is scheduled to resume Friday at 1 p.m. where the first witness in the case could be called.

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