REPORT: Prosecution, defense start Alshaman trial with opening statements to Jury

UTICA- A Jury has been seated to commence the attempted murder trial against Aaron Alshaman, the former Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy accused of setting his baby’s mother’s folks’ house on fire last spring.

Both the prosecution and defense gave their opening statements to the Jury on Monday, according to the latest reports from WKTV.

The prosecution outlined Alshaman’s relationship he shared with a former colleague at the Sheriff’s Office, which began in the fall of 2023.

Though prosecutors stated the connection eventually fizzled out come January, the two had another sexual encounter that following February and resulted in a son being born.

In summary, the prosecution told the Jury that Alshaman contested paternity and ultimately never wanted anything to do with his son.

The prosecution also cited child support tension.

On the other hand, Alshaman’s defense team argued that despite Alshaman’s patrol vehicle being parked nearby when the fire sparked, there is no definite way to say the person caught carrying a gas can on neighboring surveillance video and then setting the back porch on fire is Alshaman.

The defense argued that police did not do an investigation and rather just picked “one person.”

Alshaman’s defense team confirmed that he was nearby when the blaze was set, but he was at a nearby establishment checking out his new vehicle that was getting decals.

The trial will continue today in Oneida County Court.

50 some witnesses are expected to take the stand during the trial.

Generic gavel image.