Testimony begins in trial of man accused of killing Austin police officer.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Central Texas jury will hear opening statements in the capital murder trial of an ex-software engineer charged with fatally shooting an Austin police officer in 2012.

The Travis County jury of 10 women and two men will hear statements Tuesday in the Austin trial of 26-year-old Brandon Daniel. He could get the death penalty if convicted of slaying Officer Jaime Padron.

Authorities have said Padron responded to reports of a disturbance and shoplifting case at a Wal-Mart. Investigators say Daniel produced a gun and Padron was fatally shot as the pair struggled.

Daniel has pleaded not guilty.

Defense attorneys had offered a guilty plea in exchange for a sentence of life imprisonment without parole, but prosecutors rejected the offer.