Adrian Edward Glass, 27, pleaded guilty to the 2009 capital murders of his parents, Jimmie Glass, 51, and Denise Glass, 49, in February.
“The law requires that even if a defendant pleads guilty to capital murder, the state of Alabama must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury,” St. Clair County Assistant District Attorney Carol Boone said.
According to the plea agreement with the state, Glass will receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for each count.
During opening remarks Monday afternoon, Assistant District Attorney John DeMarco said in July 2009, Glass was living with his parents at their Moody residence.
DeMarco said the day of the murder, Jimmie Glass asked his son to leave the house for a few hours so he and his wife could spend time together.
He said Glass went out drinking and began thinking of insults his parents had said and he became depressed about his financial situation.
“He returns home in that state, pulled out three guns and loaded a rifle,” DeMarco said. “He goes to where his parents are sleeping and shoots them. Then he took cash from his mother’s purse and destroyed her cell phone and went to his room.”
DeMarco said Glass packed clothes and headed out of town, moving from state to state.
“Two-and-a-half days later, the family became concerned because they couldn’t contact them,” he said.
DeMarco said a relative and Moody police officers made entry to the house and discovered the bodies. Law enforcement officers began a search for Glass, who was found several days later in South Dakota.
DeMarco said Glass confessed to investigators and described to them how he shot and killed his parents.
“The burden is on the state to prove he committed these crimes,” said attorney James “Peter” Finley, who is representing Glass along with attorney Sarah Brazzolotto.
Finley said the state must show sufficient evidence and has the burden of proof.
“He did confess,” Finley said. “This is a horrific event. I ask you to consider the facts and what the evidence shows and what witnesses say.”
The state also called its first witness Monday, St. Clair County Circuit Clerk Annette Hall, who authenticated a copy of Glass’ explanation of rights and a plea of guilty for the two counts of capital murder.
“He pleaded guilty to two counts of capital murder,” Hall said.
The trial will resume today at 9 a.m. in St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Phil Seay’s courtroom.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
