Jurors Hear Opening Statements in Sioux Falls Murder Trial

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of murder, rape and burglary in the death of a Sioux Falls woman brutally attacked her, while the suspect's attorney says the man and woman had consensual sex.

Attorneys gave opening statements to jurors Tuesday in the trial of 42-year-old Christopher Kryger. He has pleaded not guilty in the slaying of 56-year-old Kari Anne Kirkegaard, who was found dead in her bathtub on March 16, 2014. Authorities say she had been strangled.

Prosecutor Eric Johnson said Tuesday that DNA and other evidence shows that Kryger raped and killed Kirkegaard. Defense attorney Mark Kadi said Kirkegaard was a member of dating websites and had previously had consensual sex with Kryger.

The trial is expected to continue the rest of the week.

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