STROUDSBURG – With a jury finally in place, testimony began Monday in the trial of Michael Parrish, accused of killing his live-in girlfriend and their young son.  Parrish is alleged to have killed Victoria Adams, 21, and Sidney, 2, in July 2009, at a home they shared in Effort. 

The issue is not whether Parrish committed the crime, but what is the level of guilt.  The defense reportedly plans to argue for a lesser charge of third degree murder, contending that Parrish acted out of rage.

Parrish, 26, could, however, be convicted of first degree, or premeditated, muder, which would carry a possible death sentence.