Testimony begins in Brake murder trial

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - Testimony in the murder trail of Troy Brake began Tuesday following a speedy jury selection and opening statements that lasted about 90 minutes.

Robert Zimmer II -- the son of Sharmaine Zimmer and the brother of Jeremy and Tyler -- was the first witness called in a trial that may last weeks.

The jury was selected before the noon recess, and then each side made their opening statements.

Ottawa County Prosecutor Ronald Frantz began addressing the jury shortly after Judge Edward Post swore them in around 1:30 p.m. Frantz took about an hour to present his case to the jury.

After a 25 minute recess, defense attorney Paul McDonagh began his opening statements, which lasted about a half hour.

Among the 50 or so witnesses scheduled to testify -- Robert Zimmer II, who lost his mother, Sharm Zimmer, and two brothers, Jeremy and Tyler; and Natalie Brown, whose daughter, Katherine Brown, was killed.

More than 60 potential jurors were in the courtroom Tuesday morning. Prosecution and defense settled on 14, including two alternates.

Brake, 31, of Grant is accused in the Sept. 29, 2008 slayings. Prosecutors say he shot the Zimmers so he could rape Brown, who had spent the night at the Zimmers' home on 8th Avenue. Brown was beaten to death and set on fire, prosecutors say. Brake allegedly then set the home on fire.

Brake's family and girlfriend are convinced he is not a killer.

He already has been convicted in Kent County of raping and trying to kill a Grand Rapids prostitute.

Members of Brake's family, including his sister, Brenda Brake, and brother, Jason Brake, were at the courthouse Tuesday. His mother, Jacelyn Brake, who attended Brake's trial in Kent County, said she could not emotionally handle being at this trial.

The judge says the trial could last nearly three weeks. "It's possible the case could be resolved next week," he told jurors. "You just never know how long a trial will take."

The list of witnesses also includes Brake's brother and sister, neighbors of the Zimmers, Brake's girlfriend and Mary Louise Parker, the Grand Rapids prostitute he was convicted of beating.