NORWICH – Peter M. Wlasiuk’s murder trial begins today with the prosecution making opening statements to a panel of 12 jurors and four alternates selected last week.

Opening arguments were slated to begin last Thursday in Chenango County Court, but the proceedings were delayed by a car accident involving Wlasiuk’s father, Thomas, and three daughters. Although no serious injuries were reported, Wlasiuk’s defense attorney asked for the delay because of his client’s distress over the accident.

Wlasiuk, 39, is charged with second degree murder in the April 2002 death of his wife, Patricia. Prosecutors contend Wlasiuk killed his wife at their Oxford home and later staged a Guilford Lake truck accident to cover it up.