This May 12, 2004 photo shows German socialite Viola Drath during the annual Woodrow Wilson home garden party and hat contest in Washington. Opening statements are expected in the trial of a German man charged with murdering Drath, his 91-year-old wife, a journalist and socialite. Albrecht Muth is charged with first-degree murder in the August 2011 beating and strangulation death of Viola Drath. Police say the killing took place inside the couple's home in Washington's posh Georgetown neighborhood. (AP Photo/Washington Times, James R. Brantley)
January 07, 2014 - 12:04 AM
WASHINGTON - Opening statements are expected in the trial of a German man charged with murdering his 91-year-old wife, a journalist and socialite.
Albrecht Muth is charged with first-degree murder in the August 2011 beating and strangulation death of Viola Drath. Police say the killing took place inside the couple's home in Washington's posh Georgetown neighbourhood.
Jury selection began Monday in D.C. Superior Court and opening statements are expected Tuesday morning.
Muth is not expected to attend his trial. His self-imposed bouts of starvation have left him frail and weak, but a judge has ruled that Muth's absences are wilful and voluntary and that the trial can proceed without him. He'll be able to observe through videoconferencing.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014