NORWICH – The trial for the murder of David Green commenced Monday with accusations of guilt made by attorney's on both sides of the courtroom.

The prosecution claims Jeremy Coates murdered Green, but the defense is arguing the true culprit was another person arrested in the case, Melissa Crispell. She is expected to testify against her co-defendant after accepting a plea deal. At a previous evidence hearing Crispell testified she witnessed Coates kill Green by striking him in the back of the head.

Monday afternoon the murder trial began with opening statements as District Attorney Joseph McBride and Public Defender John Cameron presented very different versions of what took place on the night Green was killed. Judge Frank Revoir said the trial will likely take two weeks.

McBride said Coates killed Green, but the defense is arguing the prosecution's key witness, Crispell, was the only one whose DNA and fingerprints were in the home and on the murder weapon.

Coates, 47, was initially charged with first-degree murder, assault, and robbery on September 23, 2016. He pleaded not guilty.

Crispell, 43, was originally charged with second-degree murder, among other counts of assault and robbery, but she accepted a plea deal on May 12, 2017.

She pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery. Cameron said Crispell was motivated to testify against his client so she could avoid a potential 50 year sentence for second-degree murder.

Crispell is now facing up to 25 years in prison. She will be sentenced after she has testified at Coates' trial.

On Monday, McBride finished his opening arguments with a description of his upcoming evidence.

McBride told the court Coates and Crispell planned to rob David Green of his money and firearms on September 23, 2016. The D.A. said he would present a series of text messages into evidence showing the two making robbery plans.

McBride recalled one text by Crispell in court, "'Are we going to hit the house tonight?'"

To which Coates allegedly replied, "Why are you talking about this on the phone?"

From inside the victim's home Coates later sent another text message asking her, ""When are you going to do it,"" said McBride.

According to McBride, Coates kicked Green in the head, and Crispell fled outside.

McBride said Green's last words to the two defendants involved owed money. McBride said the victim's last words were, "'Why are you doing this to me?'"