State prison inmate's trial underway in Somerset County
A panel of jurors gathered in Somerset County's Courtroom No. 3 for initial instructions by Senior Judge Patrick Kiniry – the first step in what could be a two-week trial on charges related to SCI-Somerset Sgt. Mark Baserman's 2018 death.
Baserman was attacked while on duty, and inmate Paul Jawon Kendrick is accused of first-degree murder and assault charges in the death. A fellow corrections officer was also injured during the altercation and Kendrick also faces charges of assaulting the man.
Prosecutors with the Somerset County District Attorneys Office plan to call witnesses and show jurors surveillance footage of the Feb. 15, 2018, incident.
Kendrick's defense attorneys are challenging the allegations. Kendrick has pleaded not guilty.
Both sides may deliver opening statements Tuesday.
Check back for additional information on this developing story.
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