Two distinct criminal trials involving homicide charges began this week in separate jurisdictions across the United States.

In Arizona, opening statements commenced Tuesday in the robbery trial of a man accused of targeting exotic dancers in 2020. The defendant is also suspected of involvement in the subsequent kidnapping and murder of one of the alleged robbery victims three years later, though that case appears to be proceeding separately.

Meanwhile, in federal court, a jury began hearing evidence in a murder-for-hire trial connected to the death of a prominent New York City art dealer. The victim was found stabbed to death in his townhouse in Brazil two years ago. The defendant in this case is identified as the estranged husband of the deceased art dealer.

The Arizona case involves alleged crimes that span multiple years, with the initial robbery charges dating to 2020 and the suspected murder occurring three years afterward. The specific connection between the robbery and homicide allegations was not detailed in court proceedings.

Both trials represent complex criminal cases involving serious felony charges, though they are unrelated incidents occurring in different states and involving different defendants and victims.