Hotz murder trial underway
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The trial for a former Chadron State College student accused of stabbing his roommate to death began this morning.
Twenty-six-year old Joseph Hotz of Rushville is being charged with six felony counts, including first degree murder.
Hotz' roommate Kenny Pheiffer was found dead with over fifty stab wounds in their off campus house last December.
Police apprehended Hotz after he fled to a home several blocks away while trying to attack the home owner with a knife.
Vance haug and Doug Warner will be leading the prosectution, while Jeff Pickens and Paul Wess are representing Hotz.
An insanity defense has been entered, but if Hotz is found guilty and fully convicted he could be facing life in prison.
Four witnesses took the stand in Tuesdays morning part of the trial, and it is expected to continue through Friday.
