WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- The trial has begun for the Bellingham man accused of murdering his wife last 4th of July.

Keayn Dunya appeared in court yesterday on charges alleging he shot his wife in the chest with a single shotgun round.

Dunya and his estranged wife Kriston Peterman-Dunya had been in the midst of a nasty custody battle over their 7-year-old son.

Dunya’s then-girlfriend, Kara Buchanan, confessed to helping in the murder and pled guilty last week to first degree rendering criminal assistance.

The trial has had several delays as the defense had tried to get the trial moved to a different location. Dunya’s lawyers cited intense media coverage and bias as grounds to move the trial.

A judge rejected the motion and the trial will continue here in Whatcom County past the Memorial Day weekend.