KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Opening statements begin Monday in the trial of Joshua Rocha, the man accused of killing a North Kansas City police officer.

Rocha has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Officer Daniel Vasquez. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case, which hasn't happened in Clay County in 30 years.

Rocha is accused of shooting Officer Vasquez after the officer pulled him over for an expired temporary tag. That was back in July of 2022.

Two months later, in September 2022, Rocha entered a not guilty plea.

On Monday, the state questioned several witnesses and showed Ring camera video from a nearby home, as well as video from the officer's patrol car dashcam.

According to court records, video from the officer's dash cam allegedly shows Rocha opening

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