Opening statements were heard today on the case of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player who is accused of fatally beating his ex-girlfriend in May of 2010. The prosecution and criminal defense attorney gave their statements and described the rocky relationship between the accused, George Huguely, and the victim Yeardley Love. In the months before Love's death the two had apparently traded angry emails and had frequent fights.

The prosecutor claims that Huguely had shown a pattern of violence against Love and that the evidence will show that he did indeed assault her. On the contrary, the criminal defense lawyer maintains that Huguely could not have plotted to kill Love because he was very drunk the night of her death and that he had only gone to her apartment to talk and work things out. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.

If you have been charged with a homicide, you should immediately seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer that is experienced in handling homicide cases. Based in New York City, Sullivan & Brill, LLP represents clients throughout the United States, as well as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County and other upstate New York counties.