Everyone agrees 19-year-old Kyle Box caused the death of a Watertown man nearly two-years-ago, but why is the question that's being discussed in Jefferson County Court during Box's murder trial. Brian Dwyer has more on why the defense is arguing he never should have been charged with murder.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- It all started with a personal ad placed to the website Craigslist.
Then 18-year-old Kyle Box typing about his lack of job prospects and how he could give someone a good time. It was an ad that left one man stabbed to death and his body lit on fire and Box in handcuffs.
Opening statements were made Tuesday morning in Jefferson County Court. The prosecution claiming Box stabbed 62-year-old Randy Bent more than 40 times and to hide the evidence, tried to burn the body. It's something he admitted to in a videotaped police deposition
The defense does not argue Box caused Bent's death, but it does paint a much different picture.
The defense claims Bent, some 40 years older than Box and openly gay, had a history of promiscuity with a desire for younger boys.
It claims Bent forced Box to perform a sexual act that triggered a psychological defense mechanism from when Box was molested as an 8-year-old.
The defense claims Box 'lost control'. He felt like he was being 'raped'. It was a 'complete emotional breakdown'.
As for what he told police, prosecutors say he gave up the right for that defense when he admitted to the crimes and the manner in which they were committed.
The defense says he lied, telling the jury he was embarrassed, ashamed about the homosexual aspect and he wanted to see hs family.
A couple of neighbors and first responding firefighters took the stand Tuesday and the trial is expected to last at least a week.
The alleged video taped confession to police is expected to be played in court.