Arizona

Trial starts for Arizona fire captain accused of 3 killings

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - This April 26, 2015 file photo provided by the Pima County Sheriff's Department shows, David Dwayne Watson, in Tucson, Ariz. The criminal case against the former Tucson Fire Department Capt., Watson, who built his career while he was a murder suspect in the cold case killings of his ex-wife, her mother and her mother's friend, begins with opening statements in Tucson on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. (Pima County Sheriff's Department via AP, File) (The Associated Press)

David Watson, right, leans in to speak with attorney Michael Storie during opening statements, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at Pima County Superior Court in Tucson, Ariz. The trial against a former Arizona fire captain who rose through the ranks as police suspected him in three murders concluded its first day with damming testimony from the defendant’s one-time alibi. David Watson is accused of killing his ex-wife, Linda Watson, in August 2000 and then gunning down her mother and her mother’s friend three years later. (Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star via AP) (The Associated Press)

Defense attorney Michael Storie gives his opening statement in the murder trial of David Watson, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at Pima County Superior Court in Tucson, Ariz. The trial against a former Arizona fire captain who rose through the ranks as police suspected him in three murders concluded its first day with damming testimony from the defendant’s one-time alibi. David Watson is accused of killing his ex-wife, Linda Watson, in August 2000 and then gunning down her mother and her mother’s friend three years later. (Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star via AP) (The Associated Press)

Attorneys are set to deliver opening statements Wednesday in the trial of a former Arizona fire captain who rose through the ranks while police worked to solve three cold-case killings he is now accused of committing.

Police say David Watson killed his ex-wife during a custody battle in 2000 and disposed of her body in the desert. Her body was found in 2003 but wasn't identified until 2011.

Three years after his wife was reported missing, Watson was embroiled in a legal battle over the couple's only daughter with his former mother-in-law.

She and a friend were gunned down in 2003 following a court-mandated visit with the girl.

Watson worked for the Tucson Fire Department for 20 years and was promoted to captain in 2007. Authorities have said the department wasn't notified he was a suspect.