The trial has begun for 38-year-old Joshua Silva, the man accused of killing a former Fairhaven school teacher.

During the first day of testimony on Tuesday a witness was called who said that Silva told him about a plan to rob and kill 69-year-old Joyce Howland.

Prosecutors accused Silva of stealing two necklaces, pawning them for cash he'd later use to buy heroin.

"He slit her throat and robbed her for $380," said Assistant Bristol County District Attorney Katie Rayburn.

Prosecutors also showed surveillance video that allegedly shows Silva getting rid of a prescription bottle label with Howland's name on it.

Defense attorneys maintain that Silva is innocent.

Howland's friend Beth Crook told ABC6 was among those who came to the trial on Tuesday.

"She was friendly. Always smiling. I don't think she let any of her problems show on her face at all," said Crook it was important that the court see that she meant something."

The judge in the case says he expects the case to last about a week and that the jury could begin deliberations as early as next Tuesday.

If Silva is convicted of Murder in the first degree he could be given a life sentence.

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