The prosecution and defense offered dramatically different versions of Jason Young’s guilt on Tuesday as opening statements in his murder trial began in Wake County Superior Court.
Jason Young murdered his wife, and had a plan to do so, Wake County Assistant District Attorney Becky Holt said in her opening remarks to the jury.
"The defendant had a plan. His plan was to murder his wife and get on with his life. On his terms," Holt said.
However, Holt said, Jason Young was surprised.
"He didn't expect there would be a fight," Holt said. "He didn't expect there would be blood."
He thought he could surprise her and strangle her, but, Holt said, "That's not what happened. He struck her and he struck her and there was blood all over the place. He left evidence he didn't expect to leave."
But defense attorney Mike Klinkosum insisted Holt didn't tell jurors the entire story.
Klinkosum said a hair found on a picture frame in their bedroom did not match either member of the couple, and said other evidence would show Jason Young was not guilty.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this young man did not kill his wife," Klinkosum said. "This case is not solved."
Michelle Young was 29 and pregnant with the couple's second child when she was killed. Her sister found her body in the couple's master bedroom on Nov. 3, 2006.
Klinkosum acknowledged that Jason Young was unfaithful to his wife and made mistakes.
"He acted at times like an immature jerk," Klinkosum said. "But that does not make him a killer."
Klinkosum also admitted to the jury that Jason Young did not speak with police, but he said Young was following the advice of his attorneys and "just shut down" overall under the immense pressure.
"He knew people were after him," Klinkosum said. "The mob wanted him. And he didn't talk to anybody."
When the trial resumes Wednesday, the prosecution will begin presenting its evidence to the jury.
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