Trial for triple slaying defendant begins

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A Bridgeport man has gone on trial in connection with the killings of three people in what police say was a drug turf dispute.

Efrain Johnson's trial began in federal court in New Haven on Wednesday. He's one of four people who were charged in the 2005 beating deaths of 43-year-old Tina Johnson, 40-year-old James Reid and 54-year-old Basil Williams.

Johnson faces the possibility of a life prison sentence if convicted. Azibo Aquart has been sentenced to death, his brother Azikiwe Aquart is serving a life sentence and John Taylor is facing a life sentence after pleading guilty.

The Connecticut Post reports that Taylor will testify next week about the killings at Tina Johnson's Bridgeport apartment.

Efrain Johnson's lawyer says his client left the other defendants before the killings.

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Information from: Connecticut Post