Trial begins for man accused of killing uncle with cousins

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A trial has begun in Alabama for a third man accused of killing his uncle to avenge his grandmother’s death — even though prosecutors say she died of natural causes.

The Montgomery Advertiser (http://on.mgmadv.com/2kjw7dq ) reports that a trial began Tuesday for William Kyle Richards in the 2013 death of Thomas Bracknell.

Authorities say Richards and his two cousins beat their uncle with a baseball bat, cut his throat and dropped a TV on his head. The family blamed Thomas Bracknell for their grandmother’s death two days before.

The cousins, Mitchell and Brandon Bracknell, have each already pleaded guilty to murder.