Court is in session in Jefferson County for the murder trial of 20 year old Marcus Harris of Steubenville.

Harris is accused of murdering 39 year old Scott Mellinger of Steubenville.

Harris' co-defendant in the case, 19 year old Harold Hayes, is already serving a life-sentence in the case.

The prosecution is arguing Harris and his 17 year old girlfriend plotted the robbery and murder of Mellinger. Harris and Hayes allegedly stormed into Mellinger's home on September 11, 2003, pistol whipped Mellinger, and stole money from him. The prosecution says Mellinger put up a fight and tried to flee. They say that's when Harris shot Mellinger first in the stomach, and then in the back of the head. Mellinger died in a Pittsburgh hospital days later.

Harris' attorneys say the accusations against Harris are untrue, that Harris did not commit the crimes that he's charged with nor did the crimes occur in the manner the prosecution claims they happened.

If convicted, Harris could face the death penalty.

From the Jefferson County Mobile Newsroom,

Julie Grant, NEWS 9.