The murder of a young mother shook the community to its core.

Kelley Clayton, 35, was found dead in her Caton home on September 29, 2015. She died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Only days after Kelley's death, a confession. Michael Beard, 44, told investigators how and when he killed Kelley. He also told them why: Kelley's husband, Thomas Clayton, had allegedly offered to pay Beard $10,000 to kill his wife, and burn down their house.

Michael Beard was found guilty on all three counts of murder in November. Throughout Beard's trial, jurors heard evidence that linked Thomas Clayton to the crime. Phone records show an alleged call made between the two men on the night of the murder.

Three women also testified to having extramarital affairs with Thomas. All three told jurors that Thomas often complained about Kelley, and wanted to leave her, but couldn't get a divorce because she would 'take everything.'

Jurors in Beard's trial also heard testimony that Thomas' truck was packed with a bag of clothes, a bag of money, and a passport, the day after the murder. In addition, an insurance broker testifed that Thomas asked to increase Kelley's life insurance policy to $1 million in 2014. Thomas was set to receive 100 percent of the money upon Kelley's death.

But Thomas has always maintained his innocence. In prior court appearances, the defense argued officers targeted Thomas from the very beginning. The defense also says there is no actual evidence indicating Clayton ever hired Beard to kill his wife.

Thomas Clayton was a well-known member of the community. The Binghamton native played pro hockey for the Elmira Jackals for five seasons.

In his upcoming murder trial, Clayton will be represented by Ray Schlather, who has more than 30 years experience trying cases in federal and state courts. Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore is serving as special prosecutor. He was also the prosecutor during Michael Beard's trial.

A third person has also been arrested in this case. Mark Blandford, 49, has been indicted on two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary and two counts of fourth-degree conspiracy. He's accused of assisting Michael Beard with the crime.

We will have complete coverage of Thomas Clayton's trial beginning Monday. For the latest updates, follow @tinaTWCNews on Twitter.