MURRIETA - Opening statements are scheduled to begin today in the trial of a 40-year-old Lake Elsinore man accused of killing an acquaintance and dumping his body near Anza five years ago.

Joseph Edward Butler is accused of killing 36-year-old Scott Allan Murphy, whose body was found on Nov. 26, 2004. He faces 25 years to life.

Murphy died of blunt force trauma, according to the county coroner's office. Investigators believe the defendant killed Murphy at his home.

While awaiting trial on the murder count, Butler was charged Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] with possession of drugs and paraphernalia while in jail in April 2008, and, last March, with assault with a deadly weapon and destruction of jail property.

Butler was housed in the B Pod at the Southwest Justice Center and was cleaning the dayroom when he allegedly smashed the window of one of the cells with a push broom, trying to hit another inmate, who suffered cuts to his face from the broken glass, according to papers filed with the court.

Butler is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.