JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The trial is underway for the man accused of killing two people near the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade in March 2023.

Opening statements took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, following Monday’s jury selection. Jordan Cummins sat quietly before Judge Faye Peterson as she provided the jury with instructions.

Two witnesses were called to the stand Tuesday morning.

Cummins was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of Joshua Spann, 27, and Auden Jubilee Simpkins, 23. Cummins has also been charged with one count of contraband.

Authorities said Spann and Simpkins were shot and killed around 1:00 p.m. near Jefferson Street on Saturday, March 25, 2023, during the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade. Cummins was arrested the same day in connection to the shooting.

Cummins’ lawyer, Bill Kellum, argued this is a case of self-defense and that there is no physical evidence showing that Cummins’ girlfriend, Jenny Lukens, was beaten before the shooting.

Lukens was arrested on Friday, June 23, 2023, in connection to the shooting. She was indicted by a Hinds County Grand Jury for hindering prosecution for her alleged role in the double homicide.

More than a dozen witnesses are expected to take the stand in the coming days.