Trial opens in Chadron murder

CHADRON, Neb. (AP) — The Chadron murder trial of Joseph Hotz began with testimony about recordings of Hotz following his arrest less than 30 minutes after he allegedly stabbed his roommate 51 times.

The 26-year-old Hotz is accused of killing 22-year-old Kenneth Pfeiffer last December.

Testimony was to continue on Wednesday.

In the recordings, Hotz tells officers that he thought he’d killed Pfeiffer.

Hotz’s attorneys say hallucinogenic mushrooms had left him delusional, thinking Pfeiffer was part of a plot to kill him.

Both men were students at Chadron State College.

Hotz also is charged with attempted murder and robbery after Pfeiffer’s slaying. Police say Hotz threatened to kill a homeowner while demanding the man’s car keys.