Davide Coggins
MAYVILLE – Opening statements in the Davide Coggins double murder trial will take place this morning in Chautauqua County Court.
Jury selection for the trail wrapped up last week with the addition of a 12th juror and four alternates. The jury will consist of nine men and three women. It took nearly three weeks for attorneys to select a full jury due to the high profile nature of the case.
In April 2013, Coggins was charged with two counts of first degree murder, arson and several other charges following the double homicide of Gordon and Joyce Skinner of Carroll. Rescue crews discovered the remains of the couple after responding to a fire call at their Wheeler Hill Rd. home the morning of April 17, 2013.
Following an investigation, Coggins and three other men were arrested by authorities. An investigation accused the four – all from Elmira – of breaking into the Skinner’s home and stabbing the couple then setting their house on fire.
The three other men have all reached plea agreements with the DA’s office in exchange for testifying against Coggins.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Coggins will face 20 years to life in prison
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