At the start of the double homicide trial for Eric Azotea, the defendant entered guilty pleas to a charge of tampering with evidence and two counts of abuse of a corpse.

Eric Azotea, 46, formerly of the Pinecrest community, faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and one count of tampering with or fabricating evidence. The charges stem from an investigation into the 2015 deaths of Arthur Gibson and Amber Terrell. The couple’s dismembered remains were found at Azotea’s residence. The District Attorney’s office is seeking the death penalty against Azotea in the case.

Following the reading of the indictment before the jury on Tuesday morning, Azotea’s attorney Gene Scott responded to the indictment by stating Azotea pleads not guilty in connection with the two charges of first degree murder but he pleads guilty to the charge of tampering with evidence and the two counts of abuse of a corpse.

Because of that guilty plea, the jury will no longer be tasked with deciding Azotea’s guilt or innocence as far as those charges. The jury will now only render its verdict as to the two counts of first degree murder.