Ernest Franklin II, 36, of Guilford, is on trial for second-degree murder, third-degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence after prosecutors claim he killed his adopted son and burned down their home to cover it up. (Zachary Meseck photo)

NORWICH – The Franklin murder trial began on Wednesday with two versions of events from the prosecution and defense, three witnesses, and testimony that described the defendant's demeanor and actions as flat and stoic on the night his adopted son died.

Ernest Franklin II, 36, of Guilford, was indicted on second-degree murder, third-degree arson, and tampering with physical evidence. Franklin is currently on trial.

According to Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese, at around midnight on March 1, 2017, in their residence on 457 State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford, Ernest Franklin and his wife Heather Franklin worked together to kill their disabled son Jeffrey Franklin and burn the evidence.

“Jeffery’s last breaths on this earth prove that this was not an accident,” said Ferrarese. “The defendant killed his adopted son, and set the fire in his home to destroy the evidence.”

He said not once did Franklin actively seek out emergency responders, or ask them to save his son. The DA also noted Franklin did not get dirt, soot, or ashes on his clothes, saying the defendant did not try to save his son from the burning trailer.

According to Defense Attorney Veronica Gorman, the day of the fire was one of the worst days of the Franklins' lives, it was the day they lost their son and their home.