Local Murder Trial Under Way

Opening arguments got underway Wednesday in the trial of a Kelowna man charged with murder.

David William Hamilton is accused of gunning down Thomas Henderson at his June Springs Road home in 1996.

Hamilton was convicted of the killing in October 2000 but appealed and a judge ordered a new trial.

The crown says Hamilton had marijuana grow operation on his property and had hidden some cash in his home, which was under construction.

It says someone had stolen the cash and Hamilton suspected it was Henderson and planned to kill him.

The crown says Hamilton called Henderson to his home and that when Henderson shot him and his dog.

The crown says it will show Hamilton was tricked into confessing to the murder on tape to an undercover cop posing as a gangster.

It says Hamilton tried burning Henderson's body and that of his dog in a fire pit on his property but was unsuccessful so he decided to dump them in the Gallagher's Canyon area.

The crown says police later found some of Henderson's bones in the fire pit.

The defence told the jury it doesn't deny Hamilton killed Henderson but he did it in self-defence.

Hamilton's lawyer says his client's relationship with Henderson had deteriorated and he feared for his life.

He says Hamilton will admit to saying "rash" things about Henderson and that he made a mistake by not telling police about the shooting and disposing of the body.

The defence wrapped up opening arguments by stating it will show a video of Henderson that will demonstrate that he was a violent man.