Opening statements in trial of man charged in killing of Medford mom

MEDFORD, Long Island (WABC) -- The trial of a Long Island man charged with the rape and murder of a young Medford mother got underway Wednesday with opening statements.

Dante Taylor of Mastic is charged with killing Sarah Goode, who disappeared after a party in 2014.

The two met at the party, and her body was later found in Medford.

Prosecutors say she had been stabbed 42 times in her head, torso and legs.

Her BMW was covered in blood when it was found.

"We just want justice for our sister and we're finally on the road to get it,"said the victim's sister, Elizabeth Demuria.

Sarah Goode's family says they have to stay strong for Goode's 6-year-old daughter.

The 21 year was found raped, beaten - her body dumped in the woods in June 2014.

"She was a beautiful soul. She lit up every room she walked into. She was always happy and that monster took it away from her," said Elizabeth.

Taylor is accused of murdering Goode and then fleeing to Florida.

Prosecutors described Wednesday how he hung out with Goode at a party and met up with her later in the night.

Prosecutor Janet Albertson told jurors in opening arguments: "He's a very nice looking young man. He looks very disarming. Her decision was fatal. Sarah never made it back."

Prosecutors say Taylor's DNA was found on Goode's body and in her blood-filled car.

Goode's family packed into the courtroom in Riverhead Wednesday.

"We're not going to stop fighting for her if we don't no one else will," said the victim's sister Jennifer Driver.

Taylor has always maintained his innocence. He says Goode died at the hands of someone else.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.