Trial begins for inmates in fatal Del. prison riot

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP/WTXF) -- A defense attorney says the star prosecution witness in the trial of four Delaware inmates charged with murder, kidnapping and other crimes following a fatal prison riot played a key role in the disturbance and likely ordered the killing of a prison guard.

Attorney Jason Antoine also told jurors in his opening statement Monday that they will encounter a lot of inconsistencies, and that the prosecution's case is based on "unreliable inmate information."

REPORT: Prison security concerns unheeded before deadly riot

Prosecutors say the evidence will show that the defendants helped plan and carry out the February 2017 riot, during which prison guard Steven Floyd was killed.

The defendants are among 18 inmates charged in the riot. One inmate has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the others, who will be tried in five separate groups.

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