Opening Statements Begin in Hardin County Murder Trial

Jury selection for the trial of Andrew McCafferty concluded today, Monday, February 2, in the case involving the October 1 stabbing death of James Collins in Mt. Victory. The trial is now underway, with opening statements presented by both the prosecution and defense.

Assistant Prosecutor Morgan Fish, in his opening statement, claimed that McCafferty’s live-in girlfriend left the house on the night of September 30—the night before the killing—following an argument.

She took her two high school–age foster children with her and met up with her former partner, the victim, James Collins.

During a drive, Fish stated, McCafferty called, and she told him she was out with the girls and Collins. This angered McCafferty, and he allegedly threatened her life.

McCafferty also allegedly told her not to come home right away because he was in the process of packing his belongings and leaving.

The girlfriend told McCafferty she was coming home because it was a school night and the girls needed to go to bed.

During a fifteen-minute period alone in the house, the State claims McCafferty used the time to sharpen a knife, which they say was the weapon used to stab Collins multiple times.

When the girlfriend returned, Collins reportedly got out of the vehicle and confronted McCafferty, leading to a fistfight and the eventual stabbing.

Afterward, McCafferty went to his father’s house and told him to call 9-1-1 because he had stabbed someone in self-defense.

Before arriving at his father’s house, McCafferty threw the knife out of his vehicle and into a railroad bed, though he later told investigators where it could be found.

Defense attorney Joel Spitzer, in his opening statement, claimed that Collins was the aggressor and that his death, while tragic, could have been avoided if he had stayed in the vehicle.

Spitzer claims that Collins was using methamphetamines, alcohol, and other drugs, and came at McCafferty in a fit of rage, leaving McCafferty no choice but to defend himself.

He added that his client has the legal right to defend his territory and life.

Spitzer said that, at the end of the trial, evidence will show that McCafferty was justified in the killing and must be found not guilty.

The trial is scheduled to continue through Friday, February 6.