Alleged Kensington Strangler Trial Begins

Antonio Rodriguez is charged with killing three woman in November and December 2010.

A judge is deciding the fate of a man accused of strangling three women in Philadelphia.

The nonjury murder trial for 23-year-old Antonio Rodriguez began Monday. Rodriguez is charged with killing three women he picked up for sex in the city's Kensington neighborhood in November and December 2010.

Investigators say they have DNA evidence linking Rodriguez to the killings. He faces charges including rape, murder and abuse of a corpse.

Prosecutors have opted not to pursue the death penalty.

Authorities say victims Elaine Goldberg, Nicole Piacentini and Casey Mahoney struggled with addiction and sometimes worked as prostitutes.

NBC10's Jesse Gary reports that the trial is expected to last about three days.


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