Opening statements being Tuesday at 2 pm in the murder trial for Joseph McAlpin, 31, the man accused of killing a couple and their dog inside their Cleveland car dealership on April 14, 2017.
McAlpin plans to represent himself in the death penalty case.
RELATED: Jury selection to begin for trial of man accused of killing couple at E. 185th car dealership
Prosecutors allege McAlpin and two other men broke into Mr. Cars on East 185 Street and shot and killed the owners, Trina and Michael Kuznik, and their dog, Axel.
Court documents show McAlpin’s DNA was found at the crime scene.
Andrew Keener and Jerome Diggs were also arrested in connection with the murder. Keener pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in February. Diggs has yet to go to trial.
A few weeks before her death, Trina Kuznik spoke to 5 On Your Side Investigator Sarah Buduson about her frustrations with the Cleveland Division of Police.
Kuznik said it often took police officers several hours to respond to the 911 calls she made after break-ins at her business.
RELATED: When Seconds Count: On Your Side investigation reveals slow 911 response times by Cleveland police
5 On Your Side Investigators are inside the courthouse for Tuesday’s proceedings. 5 On Your Side Investigator Sarah Buduson will have details on opening statements Tuesday night on News 5.
