LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The trial began Monday afternoon for the Somali immigrant accused of killing his four children.
Police said Said Biyad slit the throats of his four children and raped and tried to kill his wife at the family's apartment in the Iroquois Housing Complex in October 2006. Biyad's wife survived the attack.
Biyad sat flanked by Somali translators Monday as prosecutors began laying out their case against him. He appeared agitated and was unafraid to interrupt court proceedings.
Police said Biyad walked into Louisville Metro police headquarters on Oct. 6, 2006 and said to an officer, “I just killed my family.”
“He explained that his wife was cheating on him and he was asked to pay a dowry from another male in order to have any type of relationship with his wife,” LMPD Officer James Clark testified.
“He was upset that he kept giving the elders money to see his wife. She had a secret marriage and he was just tired of it,” Detective Matt Monford testified.
April 18: Trial Live Wire
While police worked to verify Biyad’s story, his wife called 911.
Police later found the bodies of four children, ages 2 TO 8 inside the home at 1427 Bicknell Ave. Their throats had been slit.
Biyad's wife, Futima Amir, was also inside the apartment. Police said she'd been beaten with a hammer and raped.
Biyad said he never confessed to police.
In the years since the slayings, Biyad’s mental capacity has come into question. At times, Biyad has stated Arabs are trying to kill him. He has also said he's a multimillionaire with celebrity status and has even asking for permission to leave jail to go see his agent.
Biyad's defense team said he is on antipsychotic medication.
Biyad's trial date was delayed several times because of questions about his competence.
Last June, a judge ruled Biyad is competent to stand trial after a series of hearings.
There is no jury. Both sides agreed to let the judge hear the evidence and render a verdict.
Biyad faces charges of murder, criminal attempted murder, assault, rape and tampering with physical evidence.
The trial resumes on Wednesday.
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