Romantic rival testifies at U.Va. murder trial

By Steve Szkotak

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Feb. 9 2012 2:46 p.m. MST

Marta Murphy, mother of George Huguely V, arrives at the Charlottesville Circuit courthouse for the start of the trial of her son in Charlottesville, Va, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012. Huguely, is on trial for the murder of fellow University of Virginia senior Yeardley Love.

Steve Helber, Associated Press

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Summary

The romantic rival of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend says he saw the defendant with his arm around her neck months before her death.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The romantic rival of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend says he saw the defendant with his arm around her neck months before her death.

Mike Burns testified Thursday at George Huguely V's murder trial. Huguely is accused of killing Yeardley Love in May 2010 by slamming her head against a wall.

Love played on Virginia's women's lacrosse team. Burns played for North Carolina's squad.

Burns testified that Love was crying hysterically when Huguely had his arm around Love's neck at her apartment in February 2010. He says Love fled when walked in.

Burns says he and Love "hooked up" several times, beginning in 2008.

Huguely's defense maintains Love died in part by taking the prescription drug Adderall and drinking alcohol.

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