Chesapeake, Va. - Witnesses have already been called in the case against Kyle Langreder in Chesapeake.
He was the only one who police arrested and charged out of three young men who were there and present at the beating of Charles Silva, a 77-year-old Vietnam veteran who lived and worked in Chesapeake.
Both sides presented their opening statements on Monday. Two witnesses were also called.
For the first time, a year after his death, a jury saw pictures of the veteran just hours after police say he was beaten by three young men on ATVs.
He suffered a bruised ear and jaw, an injured rib, and a cut on his head.
Now one of the men is facing a first-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors say Langreder was responsible for the final blow to the Vietnam vet after a dispute over trespassing on property surrounding the Chesapeake Executive Airport.
Silva slipped into a coma after being taken to the hospital on September 27th of last year and died less than a month later.
Defense lawyers and the families are now asking why only one person has been arrested.
Prosecutors believe they have a solid case against Langreder right now.
According to defense attorneys, Langreder is expected to take the stand. The trial is expected to go through the rest of this week.
Related:
Hearing held for man accused in beating death of 77-year-old Vietnam veteran
Man accused in murder of 77-year-old veteran appears in Chesapeake court
Prosecutors: Mob victim ‘bludgeoned’ with own gun
