Day One: Man Charged in Connection With Mamaroneck Mother's Murder on Trial

The prosecution revealed in their opening statement today that Reggie Powell—the 56-year-old man charged with murder in connection with Mamaroneck mother Jennifer Katz's death—lied to police and attempted to sell a car that he stole from her to another parolee for $800, as reported by The Journal News. 

Katz was found dead in her Baldwin Place home on Dec. 30, 2010.  Hours later, NYPD pulled Powell over while he was driving Katz's stolen car after he made an illegal left turn onto Lexington Avenue from 125th Street in Harlem.  He had some of Katz's jewelry in his possession as well.  

Additionally, The Journal News reported that a small amount of Powell's semen was found on Katz's body. 

The defense, however, argued that the murder weapon had never been recovered and that there were no eyewitnesses to the murder.

"The prosecution has a strong case," said Katz's brother, John Malik, who attended today's trial. 

"If you were there you'd really be shaking your head. The opening statement [for the defense] was pretty short and weak...that really sends a message," he said.

The trial is predicted to last approximately five weeks.

If convicted, Powell could potentially spend the rest of his life in prison.  Powell was previously incarcerated for the 1982 murder of a cab driver, whom he shot in the face.  He was paroled in 2008 after his brother, Bishop Wayne Powell of Strait Gate Church in Mamaroneck, petitioned for his early release.

Katz knew Reggie through her ex-boyfriend, Warren Powell, a sanitation worker in the Village of Mamaroneck. Reggie had done odd jobs around her home.