Richard Conte (Photo from Nevada Dept. of Correction)
CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV) - The trial of a former doctor wanted for murder has taken a break for lunch after opening statements and some testimony has been heard.
THV's Lisa Hutson is in the courtroom for the beginning of the murder trial of Richard Conte for the deaths of 49-year-old Carter Elliott and 25-year-old Timothy Wayne Robertson in Conway. He also allegedly kidnapped his ex-wife Lark Schwartz.
Elliott's girlfriend at the time and her friend were two of those testimonies. They found the bodies after coming over for a pool party.
Schwartz, the ex-wife of both Elliott and Conte, started her testimony before lunch talking about their relationship and kidnapping. She also testified that Conte was an avid gun collector and lots of weapons.
She testified Conte also reportedly told her when they were married that he was recruited out of high school in Milwaukee to be a mercenary for a company that worked for the U.S. government. As soon as she married Conte they moved in together in Carson City, Utah, their relationship began to deteriorate.
She testified filed for divorce on May 8, 2002. The murders happened about 10 days later.
The defense, though, says Conte has an alibi, that Conte was at cabin in Duck Creek, UT when the murders happened.
He has pleaded not guilty.
The charges were filed shortly before Conte was released from a Nevada prison where he was serving time for kidnapping his ex-wife, Lark Gathright-Elliott - who was once married to Carter Elliott.
Prosecutor Cody Hiland is not seeking the death penalty in the case. Conte could face life in prison without parole if convicted.
Court ended at 12:30 after lunch due to weather. It will pick up tomorrow morning.
THV's Lisa Hutson will be at the trial and have the latest updates on Today's THV and todaysthv.com.
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