However, the cases are different because Luna made a videotaped confession and his DNA was found on a chicken dinner taken as police gathered evidence at the crime scene. There's a lack of hard evidence in Degorski's case. Legal experts expect it to be more of an uphill struggle.
"We have circumstantial evidence that he committed the crime. We have circumstantial evidence that he was involved and that he actually committed the murders," said Thomas Glasgow, attorney, legal expert.
Prosecutors said on Monday during opening statements that while $1,400 was taken from Brown's Chicken and Pasta Restaurant, money was not the motive.
"(Degorski) made a big splash in the blood of seven innocent victims," said Longhitano.
Victims' families have waited a long time for this second trial. But it's the second time in two years they've had to hear the details of their loved one's deaths.
"It's extremely emotional and it's very hard for all of us, especially my mother," said Mary Nunez, victim Marcus Nellson's sister. "I don't think any of us will have any closure. We want things to go on and have justice, but I don't think we'll ever have closure."
Degorski, 36, wore a green shirt and olive tie to the trial. He listened closely as prosecutors described how he and Luna shot and stabbed seven people. Degorski's ex-girlfriend, who told police he had confessed to the crime, will be a star witness in the trial. She said she waited to come forward because Degorski threatened to kill her.
