Father of slain Temple University student speaks out as trial continues

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The trial continues into the murder of a Temple University student. Prosecutors say Joshua Hupperterz killed 22-year-old Jenna Burleigh but the defense says his roommate committed the crime.

On the street in front of the criminal court, police carried in a large box wrapped in brown paper. Inside the court, the paper is torn-off to reveal what prosecutors apparently believe is the blue, plastic bin Jenna Burleigh's body was stuffed-in after Joshua Hupperterz allegedly killed her.

Jason Grendel, the prosecutor, told Fox 29's Jeff Cole that he would speak about the case's evidence once the trial was over.

MORE: Man accused of killing Temple student says roommate did it

In court, prosecutors called a Lyft driver to the stand who said Hupperterz paid him over $200 to drive the heavy container to his grandmother's Poconos property.

The Lyft driver said Hupperterz, who fell asleep on the ride next to the bin, told him there were books inside.

"Of course, it would be difficult for any parent," Ed Burleigh, Jenna Burleigh's father, told Fox 29's Jeff Cole when asked if the trial was to hear and see.

Prosecutors alleged Hupperterz, 30, beat and strangled the Temple University student in his North Philadelphia apartment in August 2017 after the pair met in a bar.

The body was taken to the poconos to hide it, according to prosecutors.

Also on the stand, Hupperterz's cousin who said he first drove the bin from Philadelphia to Hupperterz's mothers home in Jenkintown.

His mother's boyfriend was also on the stand and wept when he claimed he helped him load the tote for the ride to the Poconos.

"We're very pleased with the way the prosecutor is laying out the case so we think they at doing a great job. It's really too early to comment beyond that but again we're thrilled," Ed Burleigh said.

Hupperterz admitted on Tuesday that he stuffed Burleigh's body into a storage bin and attempted to hide the bin at the homes of relatives. He still contends his roommate -- who has not been charged or implicated by police -- killed Burleigh.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.