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Trial of man accused of killing friend, dismembering body begins

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Opening statements began Monday in the trial of a man accused of killing his friend and then dismembering the body.

Carlos Colina is facing charges in the death of Jonathan Camilien.

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Camilien’s remains were found in two different locations in Cambridge in 2015.

Police said the victim was last seen entering Colina’s apartment the night of his death.

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Investigators said they found a rope, handsaw and cleaning supplies inside the apartment, as well as tool marks in Colina’s bathtub.

Colina has denied the charges.

Prosecutors say surveillance video led investigators to an apartment across the street where Colina lived. In a third floor trash room, Camilien's other body parts, including his head, were discovered. They say Colina was still cleaning his apartment with supplies bought at a nearby Star Market when police arrived.

Defense attorney John Cunha warned the jury against making any rush judgments. He told the jury he'll present evidence of a fight inside the apartment, but this was not a murder. He also said he'll show that Camilien did not die from being dismembered.

Cunha reminded the jury that Colina is facing two charges, one is murder and one is improper disposal of human remains.

After opening statements, the jury was loaded onto a bus and brought to Cambridge to see the crime scene for themselves.

His family said he suffers from schizophrenia.

Testimony is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.