Opening statements in Hassan trial

By WBFO Newsroom

Buffalo, NY – The second degree murder trial of Muzzamill Hassan began Tuesday morning in Erie County Court.

Jurors were seated last week. Hassan is accused of killing his wife Aasiya inside of the cable television studio they operated in February of 2009.

Before opening statements began Tuesday in the second-degree murder trial, County Court Judge Thomas P. Franczyk issued some rulings for media coverage.

The judge is allowing audio, video and still photography of opening and closing statements only. A sketch artists will also be allowed during the trial.

But there will be no other audio, video and photography allowed for the trial.

A court observer tells WBFO News the judge also issued an order to the news media not to cover jurors.

It was standing room only in the court for Tuesday morning's start of the trial

Erie County prosecutors began their case with opening statements with some very distributing details of the murder.

According to a court observer for WBFO News, the prosecutor outlined the grim details of the murder, saying the death of Aasiya took only 47-seconds.

The prosecutor told the court Hassan hid in the dark at the couple's Orchard Park television station for waiting for his wife. The prosecution also gave the details of the murder, saying Hassan stabbed her more than 40-times in the back, chest, head and hands with a hunting knife that was purchased just hours before the murder.

Aasiya Hassan had filed for a divorce just six days before her murder.

The prosecution told the court she was killed so quickly she didn't even have time to turn on a light as she entered a room at the television studios, and that the murder happened as the Hassan's three children waiting outside in a mini van.

Tuesday afternoon the defense delivered opening statements.

Defense attorney Jeremy Schwartz told the courtroom, "Hassan killed his wife, but is not guilty of 2nd degree murder."

Schwartz painting a different picture Hassan. The defense claiming Hassan suffered spousal abuse. Schwartz said it was Hassan who feared for his life, and that she threaten to kill him.

WBFO's Eileen Buckley talked to Assoicated Press reporter Carolyn Thompson who was inside the courtroom as the prosecution and defense began their cases.

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