UPDATE: Trial Today for man accused of killing Lex. resident

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – After being accused of kidnapping and killing Lexington resident Alex Johnson two years ago, Robert Taylor’s trail is set to begin today.

ABC 36 reporter Fadia Patterson spoke with Taylor’s lawyer this morning. The lawyer says she believes they will get through jury selection today, and the judge will begin hearing evidence and testimonies.

Alex Johnson’s mother will allegedly be the first called to testify.

Friday, June 3: 

Robert Markham Taylor had a status hearing Friday, regarding evidence prosecutors want to submit in his trial that begins on Monday.

Johnson disappeared in late 2013 and his body was found in a barrel in the Kentucky river in January 2014.

During Friday’s hearing, prosecutors made the motion to show pictures of Johnson’s body. They also wanted to play an audio recording of Johnson’s girlfriend testifying Taylor did meet with Johnson the night of his death. A request for Alex Johnson’s mother to testify at the trial was also submitted.

Prosecutors also asked to share other evidence, such as photos of a gun and money, all of which were found during Taylor’s arrest in Texas.

According to Taylor’s lawyers, Taylor and Johnson were friends. His attorney told us they did not want Johnson’s mother to testify because she “has no knowledge of their relationship”.

The judge said he would allow her testimony, but would limit it.

During the trial, Taylor’s attorney said they want actual evidence produced instead of just photos.

Earlier this year, Timothy Ballard pled guilty to kidnapping and tampering with physical evidence in connection to the case and has agreed to testify against Taylor.

No plea deal has been offered to Robert Taylor.