BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) -- Jury selection in the capital murder trial of Mauricio Alejandro Torres begins Tuesday (Nov. 1) at the Benton County Courthouse.
Torres and his wife, Cathy, are accused of killing their son, Maurice Isaiah Torres, 6, in March 2015. Both are facing charges of capital murder, first-degree battery and rape.
The medical examiner's report concluded the child died as a result of chronic child abuse and rape.
Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith said he expects the trial to last as long as three weeks, which includes jury selection, testimony and sentencing.
The jury will decide whether to sentence Torres to life in prison without parole or death.
Smith said recorded interviews between investigators and Torres will be a big part of the testimony in the case. Court records show the defense had requested a judge suppress those statements, but the court denied that motion.
The defense has also subpoenaed Torres' father and two uncles, all of whom live in California, to be at the trail. Court documents state all three of those witnesses have a personal knowledge of Torres' background and childhood.
Smith said he doubts Cathy Torres will testify during her husband's trial. She is scheduled to face the jury in May 2017.