Lawyers frame greed and self-defense as competing motives in local Navy Commander's murder

The first trial in connection to the death of a local Navy Commander is now underway.

We first told you in February 2014 that 44-year-old Alphonso Doss was found dead at the Astoria Hotel in Orange Park. The death was ruled a homicide by strangulation.

In August 2014, three people were arrested for Doss' murder- his estranged wife Yolinda Doss, Ronnie Wilson II, and Anthony Washington. Law enforcement believed Yolinda Doss came up with an elaborate plan to kill Doss and make it look like a robbery, in order to benefit from his life insurance. Investigators further said Yolinda and Washington were in a relationship.

As Washington’s trial kicked off Tuesday, the defense made it clear they intend to paint a very different picture than the one law enforcement presented. Washington’s attorney argued Washington had gone to Doss’ hotel room to confront him about being abusive to Yolinda, and they ultimately got in a physical struggle. Washington claims he believed Doss was alive when he left the room.

Yolinda and Wilson have not yet gone on trial.