The trial for the man accused of murdering a 16-year-old girl in Orange County began Monday.

Sanel Saint Simon is charged in the murder of Alexandria Chery and dumping her body in a wooded area back in 2014.

The Orange County deputies say Chery's mother found blood in her room, along with bleach that appeared to be used to cover up the blood splatter.

She also found a pair of men's underwear that the mother's boyfriend, Saint Simon, took from the room.

Rosie Joseph, the victim’s mother, was the first to be called to the stand after opening arguments. She was questioned about the day of her daughter’s death, her relationship with Saint Simon, and other details surrounding the case.  

“Do you remember how many years ago, or what year you met him?” asked the prosecution.

“What I remember when I met him, Alex was 5 years old,” said Joseph through a translator.

Deputies originally arrested Saint Simon on charges of providing false information to law enforcement and attempted destruction of evidence. He has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

In August of 2017, a judge denied a motion to remove State Attorney Brad King from the case against the accused killer.

Gov. Rick Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala from this and other cases after she said she would not seek the death penalty for any defendant.