Graphic details as trial gets underway

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Prosecutors believe they have an open and shut case against Ali Mohamed Mohamud, the Buffalo man charged with brutally murdering his young stepson. But the defendant maintains his innocence.

The mother of 10-year-old Abdi says Mohamud wrote her a letter, admitting her killed the boy, and police also say Mohamud confessed. Regardless, the 40-year-old denies the allegations of second degree murder.

Prosecutor John Feroleto said, "The evidence in this case is overwhelming. This case is simple, straight forward and uncomplicated. It will show this wasn't some accident, a temporary lapse in judgment or the overzealous punishment of a misbehaving child. This was murder."

Prosecutors say Mohamud stabbed his stepson Abdi in the arm and then stuffed a sock in the boy’s mouth. He then allegedly duct taped the boy’s mouth and hands and brutally beat the child about 70 times with a rolling pin.

"Abdi tried to protect himself with his arms and his legs as this defendant mercilessly struck him again and again," Feroleto said.

Prosecutors say Mohamud beat the boy with the intent to kill him. Abdi had tried to runaway from his home on Guilford Street on Buffalo’s east side.

Buffalo Homicide Detective Michael Mordino described finding two damp rolling pins in the kitchen, believed to be the murder weapons. Mordino described finding blood spatters on the walls, floor and ceiling of the basement, where Abdi's body was found. He said Abdi's mouth was taped shut and there were binding marks on his wrists. The detective also said there were no parts of Abdi's body that were not visibly bruised.

Defense attorney Lana Tupchik said, "Mr. Mohamud denies these accusations. We are fortunate to live in a state where accused is not convicted, in an opening statement of a skilled prosecutor."

On the witness stand, Abdi's mother broke down when asked to recall what happened the day her son was brutally murdered last April. She said her husband sent her a letter admitting he had killed Abdi, but she later destroyed it. Through an interpreter, the woman said Mohamud admitted his crime and then asked for forgiveness.

Feroleto said, "This was the intentional murder of a 10-year-old boy."

The trial continues on Tuesday.