A jury trial has begun for a former UFC fighter accused of murdering a 17-year-old.
The fighter in question is former UFC heavyweight Icho Larenas (born Edouardo Larenas), 45. The incident occurred almost four years ago during a home invasion in Laval, Quebec, Canada—a city that borders Montreal.
The former fighter pleaded not guilty. His partner, Gladys Rosana Lopez, pleaded not guilty to being an accomplice after the incident.
The name of the victim has not been disclosed due to privacy protocols.
The trial, which began Monday, is being overseen by the Quebec Superior Court. Justice Steve Baribeau, who will handle the proceedings, selected the jury on and delivered his instructions to members on the same day.
“You might have crossed paths with [the accused] earlier today [at the courthouse],” Baribeau said to the jury (via The Gazette) You might have noticed that they are not detained, but you shouldn’t let that influence your decisions.”
The judge is also reported to have told jury members to keep “an open mind” throughout the trial. He also advised them not to rush to any conclusions. The trial is expected to continue with an opening statement from The Crown’s representation on Wednesday.
Icho Larenas in the UFC
“El Dogo” Larenas, born in Argentina, fought just once in the UFC, losing via third-round TKO to Tom Murphy in 2006. After parting ways the Las Vegas based MMA promotion, he fought two other UFC veterans in Krzysztof Soszynski and Steve Bosse. He lost to Soszynski and beat Bosse. His MMA record stands at 6-6 overall.
He still has his own fighter profile page on the UFC website.