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(Logan-AP) -- Opening arguments are under way today in the trial of a man accused of killing a 15-year old girl and dismembering her body.

Cody Lynn Nielsen is charged with first degree felony capital murder in the death of Trisha Autry in June 2000.
Prosecutors say he kidnapped and killed her, dismembered and burned her body then buried her near a research lab where he used to work.
The judge is also expected to rule today on whether statements made by friends of Autry will be admitted into court. Prosecutors say those statements would prove Autry was afraid of Nielsen and wouldn't have left voluntarily with him the day she disappeared.

If convicted, Nielsen could face the death penalty.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
