3:15 p.m. | After about an hour of opening statements - most of which came from the defense - day one of the Kylr Yust trial wrapped up around 3:15 p.m.
Judge William Collins said witness testimony would begin around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday after jurors had a nearly four-hour travel time Monday from St. Charles, Missouri.
2:55 p.m. | The defense is continuing opening arguments.
2:45 p.m. | During opening arguments, Cass County Prosecutor Ben Butler described a recording the FBI had with Kylr Yust in which he allegedly admitted to strangling Kara Kopetsky and leaving her body in the woods.
The prosecutor wrapped up opening arguments within 15 minutes, clearing the way for the defense to start its opening arguments.
In her opening statement, Yust attorney Sharon Turlington said she would explain why there are reports of Yust reportedly admitting to crimes.
2:40 p.m. | The state has begun opening arguments in the double murder trial of Kylr Yust. They are highlighting reports that Yust, who was romantically involved with both alleged victims, had jealousy problems.
2:22 p.m. | The jury, made up of 15 citizens from St. Charles County, Missouri, has entered the courtroom as opening statement are set to begin.
The 12-person jury contains three alternates.
2:15 p.m. | Just after 2 p.m., defendant Kylr Yust entered the courtroom along with his counsel.
Yust appeared in a full suit and tie and wearing a white face mask.
The jury has not yet been convened as the judge hears pre-trial motions.
2 p.m. | 41 Action News crews are at the Cass County Justice Center awaiting opening arguments in the double murder trial of Kylr Yust. Court will be in session as soon as the jurors, who are coming from St. Charles County, have arrived.
11 a.m. | 41 Action News I-Team reporter Andy Alcock will be monitoring today's opening arguments from the Cass County Courthouse. Opening arguments are set to begin around 1:30 p.m.
10:20 a.m. | One of the four alternate jurors selected for the Yust Trial was released before the jurors left St. Charlies County.
One alternate juror was released this morning before the jury left St. Charles for the Kylr Yust trial, leaving three alternates,
— Allen Edmonds (@NorthCassHerald) April 5, 2021
9:40 a.m. | The trial for accused double murderer Kylr Yust begins on Monday afternoon, and the judge granted permission last minute for a camera to be allowed in the courtroom.
Media outlets in the Kansas City region filed a motion to allow a camera in the courtroom for the high-profile case after the judge initially said one wouldn't be allowed.
That motion was granted Monday morning. The camera will allow the recording of courtroom proceedings, but there will be no livestream allowed.
Yust is on trial for the deaths of Kara Kopetsky in 2007 and Jessica Runions in 2016.
COVID-19 and different legal issues had previously delayed the trial.
Jurors were selected for the trial last week out of St. Charles County near St. Louis due to the notoriety of the case in the Cass County area. Those jurors will arrive Monday for opening statements.
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41 Action News is committed to bringing you complete coverage of the trial of Kylr Yust, the man accused in the murders of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions. Visit kshb.com/yusttrial for all our stories, case details, timeline and more.
