SPOKANE — Trial has begun in Spokane for a man who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of a nephew of Montana Sen. Jon Tester.
The Spokesman-Review reports that 24-year-old John Radavich is charged with killing 35-year-old Robert Tester on Sept. 5, 2016.
Tester was stabbed and beaten to death at his home near Spangle, a small town just south of Spokane.
The case remained unsolved for months until Dec. 26, 2016, when Radavich allegedly called a friend in Texas and admitted to killing Tester.
The defense contends that Radavich went to the home because Robert Tester had abused a 17-year-old girl whom Radavich had recently dated. They also contend that Tester escalated the confrontation.
The trial is expected to last into next week.