Families emotional as Long Island murder trial gets underway

RIVERHEAD (WABC) -- A trial began on Long Island Wednesday in connection with what prosecutors call two cold-blooded killings.

Reginald Ross is accused of shooting construction worker Raymond Hirt to death in Ronkonkoma in May of 2010. Five months later, Ross allegedly shot John Williams in Holbrook.

The families of both victims were in court as opening statements began.

"It's been a horrible amount of time waiting, waiting for this to come to pass," mother Carol Hirt said.

It's been nearly five years since Hirt lost her son, who was shot to death sitting in his car.

"We just want justice and close that chapter on a very ugly person," Hirt's fiance, Cathy Caiazza, said.

Prosecutors say the shooting happened because Hirt had stopped Ross at a roadwork site while he had been working as a construction crew flagman. Investigators say Ross stalked Hirt for two weeks before shooting him in the neck as he sat eating his breakfast.

Co-worker Andrew Jasonick still remembers running to Hirt's aid and holding his hand as other workers tried to perform CPR.

"It was hard to help him, but we were there," he said. "We did our best. We miss him. We miss him a lot."

Then, in October, Ross allegedly shot the 39-year-old Williams as he sat in his car. Prosecutors say Ross believed Williams' friend owed him drug money so he allegedly shot Williams four times in the face.

"We waited for this day for so long," mom Pat Williams said. "It's been postponed so many times. You're anxious. You just want to get it done."

Ross' attorney says his client didn't commit the murders and wasn't even there when they happened. So where does he claim to have been?

"Under the American justice system, we don't have to prove anything," attorney John Scarpa said. "And that's going to be something revealed in the courtroom, if at all."

The DA identifies Ross as a member of the Crips street gang.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Williams' family started a music foundation in his memory. They raise money to provide instruments to low-income children. For more information visit: TheJohnWilliamsFoundation.com