Opening statements begin in rape trial

Opening statements began today in the trial of a man accused of raping an 84-year-old woman in Monroes Garden District. 32-year-old Dallas Taylor is charged with aggravated rape, burglary and armed robbery for allegedly forcing his way into the womans home and raping her at gunpoint. Taylors attorney filed last-minute appeals with a higher court yesterday and asked that he be allowed to file several motions on his own behalf. The judge denied that request. Taylor faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted. (© NBC 10/FOX 14 News, All rights reserved.)