CANTON, N.Y. (AP) — Arguments are set to begin in the trial of a former college soccer coach accused of killing his former girlfriend's 12-year-old son in northern New York in 2011.

Oral "Nick" Hillary last week asked to have his case heard by a judge instead of a jury. Opening arguments are set to start Monday morning.

Hillary is accused of killing Garrett Phillips in the apartment he shared with his mother on Oct. 24, 2011 in the village of Potsdam.

Hillary was head men's soccer coach at Clarkson University at the time. He and his daughter had lived with the boy's mother, Tandy Cyrus, until the relationship ended in summer 2011.

Many in this rural area see the trial as long overdue. Critics claim authorities in this largely white community unjustly pursued a black man.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

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