The Viewing

Previously convicted of a 1999 raping of an exotic dancer, and having served an 8-year maximum sentence, William DeCato stood trial today in Manchester, New Hampshire on more than 30 charges, including felonious sexual assault, alleging numerous crimes carried out on August 25, 2009 at a home in his neighborhood.

In 2007, DeCato was the first person New Hampshire looked to civilly commit as a violent sexual predator near the time of his release from state prison, but the case fell apart.

On the first day of the trial, jurors were bused around Manchester to key locations deemed important for the case by the prosecutors and/or the defense. They visited the former home of DeCato, the neighborhood, the victim's home, and a path through the nearby woods. Some places where evidence was found during the investigation. Opening statements were made and the trial will resume Tuesday. *No one identifiable is a member of the jury. It is the Judge, members of court security personnel, attorneys in the case, or William DeCato.*