Testimony begins in elderly rape trial

MONROE, La. (AP) - Opening statements are scheduled to begin in Monroe state court today in the trial of Dallas Taylor, the man accused of raping an 84-year-old woman. Jury selection concluded earlier this week, but proceedings came to a stop yesterday after Taylor filed last-minute appeals with a higher court. Taylor asked that he be allowed to file several motions on his own behalf. Judge Stephens Winters denied that request because Taylor has an attorney, Louis Scott. He also tried to fight an agreement between Scott and prosecutors allowing the state to use a previously recorded videotape of the victims testimony. The woman has moved out of the area since the alleged incident, and her doctor did not clear her for travel. The 32-year-old Taylor is charged with aggravated rape, armed robbery, aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. (© The Associated Press, All rights reserved.)