LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The trial continues today for a man who allegedly killed a woman and drove her SUV with her body in it for a month.

Christopher T. Cater of Lake Charles admitted to killing his acquaintance, Sheila Ortega , 72, and taking out loans in her name, investigators said. Her body was found in her car outside the Prien Lake Mall on Aug. 21, 2023.

Cater is charged with first-degree murder, identity theft and unlawful disposal of remains.

Devin Cruice is in the courtroom today. You can follow his live updates on X .

Four witnesses testified on the first day of trial , including Ortega’s daughter, who reported her missing. The jury also watched a video of Cater’s interrogation, in which he said he lost control and hit Ortega multiple times in the face after she

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