The trial has started for an Ohio man accused of killing a 25-year old Bethel woman.  A couple of witnesses took the stand yesterday in the trial of former Ansonia resident Brandon Roberts, who is accused of shooting Emily Todd. 

Police said Todd’s mother told detectives that her daughter had met Roberts on an online dating app, but soon called off the relationship. The 29-year old allegedly convinced her to meet him one more time, near a Bridgeport boat ramp.  Roberts is charged with murder, felony murder, robbery and carrying a pistol without a permit. 

His Public Defender will be raising a defense of extreme emotional disturbance.  If a jury is convinced, Roberts could be found guilty of a lesser manslaughter charge. 

Police said that after killing Todd, Roberts took her car, cellphone and credit cards. Video surveillance allegedly showed Roberts, in her car, using her debit card to withdraw $400 from Todd’s bank account.