Prosecutors say a Houston-area teenager accused of killing a girl in a satanic ritual had gouged out her eye as she begged for her life.
Opening statements in the capital murder trial of 18-year-old Jose E. Reyes began Monday. He's accused in the February death of 15-year-old Corriann Cervantes in a vacant apartment southeast of Houston.
A 16-year-old boy also is charged. He's expected to stand trial later.
Reyes faces a life sentence if convicted but would be eligible for parole after 40 years.
Prosecutors say the teens were hoping to make a deal with the devil when they disfigured the girl's body, including carving an upside down crucifix on her stomach.
Defense attorney Jerald Graber told the Houston Chronicle the defense team would "zealously represent" Reyes.
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