Lawyers for the man prosecutors say raped and killed a 19-year-old University of New Hampshire student are set to begin presenting their case.
Thirty-one-year-old Seth Mazzaglia is charged with first degree murder in the October 2012 death of Elizabeth "Lizzi" Marriott of Westborough, Massachusetts.
Prosecutors say Mazzaglia strangled Marriott when she twice rebuffed his sexual suggestions, then raped her motionless body.
Defense lawyers claim Mazzaglia's former girlfriend — 20-year-old Kathryn McDonough — smothered Marriott during rough sex. They told jurors she shifted the blame to Mazzaglia after she was given immunity from prosecution for any role she played in Marriott's death.
They begin presenting their case Monday — day 18 of the trial.
McDonough is serving a 1-1/2 to 3-year sentence for hindering the prosecution, conspiracy and witness tampering.
