The trial of 35-year-old Ronald Richardson is underway.

Morgan County State’s Attorney Chris Reif opened the trial this afternoon with his opening statement, which he told the 12-person jury was the opening to a presentation that would prove Richardson’s guilt in 19-year-old Shawnskie Patterson’s death beyond a reasonable doubt. Richardson, who has chosen to represent himself after vacating the appointment of his public defender yesterday, was admittedly nervous in delivering his opening statement.

He told the jury he would prove his innocence, but said he couldn’t fill in the blanks in the events leading to Patterson’s February 2009 death and would only ask the necessary questions to prove his limited involvement.

Reif called four witnesses this afternoon, including Richardson’s wife, 21-year-old Valerie Dulaney, and 26-year-old Josh Wilson of Jacksonville. Dulaney testified to the events of February 13th and February 14th, while Wilson admitted to selling Richardson crack cocaine that night, which he says eventually led to Patterson’s involvement.

Wilson told Reif in testimony that Richardson wanted to buy more crack from him that night, Patterson accompanied Richardson back to his apartment at 342 West State to accelerate the transaction, and that was the last time he saw Patterson alive.

Dulaney also identified the knife used in the killing as a kitchen knife owned by the couple at the time of the incident. She told the court it was the first time she had seen the alleged weapon since two days before the incident.

Richardson is charged with three counts of first degree murder in connection with the February 14th, 2009 stabbing death of Patterson. Patterson’s body was found between the Community Counseling Center and an apartment building at 342 West State. An autopsy revealed Patterson died of a stab wound to the chest.

Reif objected several times to Richardson’s opening statement and witness re-directs, most of which were sustained by Morgan County Judge Rich Mitchell.

Mitchell several times told Richardson to simply ask questions, and not include self-serving statements in the witness examinations. The jury of seven men and five women was finalized shortly before opening statements were heard.

The trial is expected to last through Thursday or Friday at the latest.