Trial begins for man accused of preying on transgender women, murdering another man

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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The trial of a man accused of murdering another and preying on transgender women began Monday, and authorities say they linked him to the crime through Facebook. 

Prosecutors say Matthew White shot and killed Barry Jones, the boyfriend of a transgender woman who worked as an escort in January 2017, and they say White preyed on transgender women, setting up appointments to rob them. 

The state contends they have enough evidence to prove White is guilty of murder, attempted murder, robbery and gun charges, including video, cell phone records and eyewitnesses they say linked White to the crime through a suggested friend list on Facebook.  

The defense fired back, saying its all the circumstantial with no DNA or fingerprints linking White to the crime.

They also say the eyewitnesses lied to police, and certain pieces of evidence were never tested. 

Following opening statements, the victim's mother took the stand to speak about her son and who he was as a person. 

The trial will continue through the week.