x
Breaking News
More () »

Trial begins for man accused of killing three people, including Austin choir teacher

Timothy Parlin is accused of killing an Austin choir teacher and an elderly couple in 2014.

AUSTIN — AUSTIN -- The capital murder trial for Timothy Parlin, the man accused of killing an Austin choir teacher and an elderly couple in December of 2014, began on Tuesday.

Timothy Parlin is accused of stabbing and beating Sidney and Billie Jean to death while they slept in their own beds on December 14, 2014, before stealing jewelry from their home.

Prosecutors said he stabbed the 83-year-old woman several times in her face and eye.

He is also accused of breaking into Kahty Blair's home, brutally attacking her while she slept before stealing jewelry from her home several days before.

Austin police had said it was the same method of operation.

Kathy Blair's son, Joseph Hargis, was the first witness to take the stand Tuesday. He told jurors how he saw his mother for the last time on the afternoon of December 5, 2014, and how he told her he loved her. He also testified how he found her body in a pool of blood the next day.

The jury heard the 9-1-1 call. Here's part of it:

9-1-1 operator: What's happening there sir?

Joseph: I think my mom is dead.

9-1-1 operator: I'm sorry what?

Joseph: I think my mom is dead. There's a lot of blood, I think someone broke in and killed my mom. I need you to...

9-1-1 operator: Stay on the line for EMS...Are you right by her side now?

Joseph: Yes.

9-1-1 operator: Listen carefully. Lay her flat on her back.

Joseph: I can't move her, she's hard.

9-1-1 operator: She's what?

Joseph: I can't move her, she's hard.

9-1-1 operator: Do you mean she's stiff?

Joseph: Yes.

Prosecutors believe Parlin had help killing Blair.

Shawn Gant-Benalcazar stood trial for his role in the murder last month.

It ended with a hung jury and a mistrial. That retrial is set for later this year. Parlin has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. His attorneys said there are no links tying him to the victims' homes. But if he's convicted, he faces life in prison.

Testimony continues Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. in the 331st state district court.

RELATED:

'I was still obviously in shock' | Son of choir teacher takes the stand in first day of murder trial

Crime scene technician: Blood was found in car of suspect in Austin choir teacher's murder

Man accused of murdering Austin choir teacher blames family friend for the crime

Follow reporter Jenni Lee on Twitter for updates from the trial:

Before You Leave, Check This Out