OSWEGO (AP) - The trial of a 28-year-old central New York man accused of murdering his 11-year-old stepsister, who police say was starved by her parents and lived in filthy conditions, began this week.

Opening arguments in Palermo resident Alan Jones' trial on second-degree-murder charges were made Wednesday in Oswego County Court.

Jones' attorney says Erin Maxwell accidentally hanged herself Aug. 29, 2008 while playing in her bedroom. Authorities say the home was littered with piles of feces from the more than 100 cats living in the house.

Maxwell's parents were previously convicted of multiple child endangerment charges and are awaiting sentencing.

Jones' trial is expected to last two to four weeks. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life, if convicted.