ELIZABETHTOWN — The murder trial for John Franklin Hester got under way on Wednesday morning after nearly two months of jury selection, according to the clerk of courts office.

The jury selection process began on May 18 and opening arguments began at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Hester faces charges of first degree murder in the stabbing death of Rudolph Hughes of Bladenboro. According to charges appearing on the court docket, Hester is also charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and robbery with a deadly weapon; second degree kidnapping.

Hester is represented by attorneys James Payne and Mike Ramos, both of Shallotte.

Also, James William Cain made his first appearance on Monday and was given a court appointed attorney. According to the clerk of court’s office, he will be represented by Attorney Samuel Randall.

According to published reports, Cain is charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife, Norma Cain.