Spring High School student on trial for murder

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Spring High School student accused in the deadly stabbing of a classmate is now on trial. Luis Alfaro, 17, is charged in the death of Joshua Broussard, almost one year ago to the day.

The murder trial got underway in the gang stabbing case today. Alfaro is accused of stabbing and killing 17-year-old Joshua Broussard at Spring High School on September 4, 2013.

Alfaro appeared in the 262nd District Court, before Judge Denise Bradley, and pleaded not guilty.

During opening statements, prosecutors talked about Broussard's mother, saying, "She got a phone call no parent ever wants to get. Her oldest son, Josh, was lying dead on the cafeteria floor. All her hopes, dreams and goals for him ended at the point of a knife."

The prosecutor pointed at Alfaro and said, "He took a knife and stabbed quickly and left him to die, while he ran away."

Alfaro's defense lawyer said, "At the end of this case there are no winners or losers. When a 17-year-old man died, it's not about winners or losers, it's about justice."

He outlined testimony he plans to present, including blaming Harris County Sheriff's deputies for doing a rush job on the case and blaming Spring High School for being a "war zone." He quoted crime statistics at the high school and discussed racially divided school gangs. He also says the Medical Examiner will not be able to prove what murder weapon was used in this case.

The jury is made up of eight women and five men, including one alternate. The defense believes the star witness in this case will be the surveillance video from inside the school cafeteria.

The trial is expected to last into next week.