CANTON – Opening arguments in the bench trial of former Clarkson University soccer coach Oral “Nick” Hillary are about to get underway at the county courthouse in Canton.

NorthCountryNow.com is following this story closely and will have updates throughout the day and during the remainder of the trial.

Hillary is facing a charge of second-degree murder, accused of strangling to death 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam in October 2011.

Jury selection was nearing completion last Thursday when attorney Peter Dumas, on Hillary’s behalf, announced in court that his client wanted to opt for a bench trial, where the judge listens to evidence and decides guilt or innocence, without a jury.

Hillary confirmed his agreement with the defense team's request to Judge Felix Catena, and the judge accepted the defense's motion, clearing the way for the beginning of oral arguments this morning.

Norman Siegel, another of Hillary’s defense team, said at a press conference they “make decisions such as the decision made this morning based on the best interest of the client.”

“I think we picked a fair jury. We have a fair judge and we picked a fair judge,” said Earl Ward, another member of Hillary’s counsel team.