Ira Einhorn's murder trial began today with opening statements. His lawyers told the jury he will take the stand and tell them as much as he knows.

Ira was charged with murder in 1979. He ran away to France before his trial which was scheduled for January, 1981. There he married and settled in the South of France. During his absence from Philadelphia, he was tried in abstentia. The United States wanted him back, and in 1997 he was located in France.

After four years of fighting extradition, during which time Ira was free again in France, an agreement was worked out. Ira would get a new trial here and the death penalty would not be an option. This is the trial that is beginning this week.

For a chronology and description of what transpired between 1979 and today, read IRA EINHORN: A LOOK BACK.

We'll follow important events in the trial as they occur.