September 16, 2008 Victim provides emotional testimony in rape case Play video

(Jennifer Eagan, NECN: Worcester, MA) - A High profile rape case got underway in Worcester Tuesday, with the victim providing stirring testimony.

The defendant Alex Scesny has also been labelled a person of interest in a series of murders targeting prostitutes in Central Massachusetts. Scesny has not been charged in any of those killings. He also denies the rape accusations against him.

Testimony in the case wrapped up Tuesday afternoon and will go before a jury Wednesday. In court, a state prosecutor played a tape recording of Scesny insisting he's innocent.

Scesny, 39, stands accused of sexually assaulting a woman and trying to smother her with a pillow March 17, 2007, at the Reservoir Motor Lodge on Route 12 in West Boylston. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.