Opening statements begin in Kalebu murder trial today

The young man accused of one of Seattle's most heinous murders in recent years sat strapped in a heavy green smock, his hands and legs shackled to the restraint chair used to bring him to court. He looked up and told the judge, "Get the (expletive) out of here."

It was just one of the many courtroom outbursts that prompted the judge to take the unusual step of tentatively barring Isaiah Kalebu, accused of crawling through a window and viciously raping and stabbing a lesbian couple he'd never met in 2009, from attending his own trial when opening statements begin in King County Superior Court Monday afternoon.

Kalebu will be able to watch the proceedings via closed-circuit television. He might attend later if he vows to behave, the judge said.

KPLU's complete report.