DETROIT —  Lawyers have started their trial defense of a Plymouth teenager accused in the slaying of a 26-year-old River Rouge man.

Family friend Janice Neal testified Monday that 18-year-old Jean Pierre "JP" Orlewicz is "a warm and caring person."

Orlewicz is charged with first-degree murder and is accused in the slaying, beheading and burning of Daniel Sorensen in what prosecutors have called a thrill killing.

Defense lawyers in the Wayne County Circuit Court case say Sorensen brought about his own death on Nov. 7.

They'll try to convince jurors that Orlewicz stabbed Sorensen in self defense, then panicked and mutilated his body.