Opening statements began Monday in the murder trial of the 18-year-old accused of fatally stabbing a high school student.

Nestor Ortiz-Ocampo is facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted in the stabbing death of 16-year-old Quraan Smith. Smith was killed in September 2021 after a football game at Arlington High School.

Nestor Ortiz-ocampo -- a former Arlington student -- was charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.

"We need the case to really be clarified, and show the people the truth of what happened that day," said Everton Smith, Quraan Smith's father.

Prosecutors say Ortiz-Ocampo, 19, got into a fight in the bleachers which led to a melee in the parking lot. They say he was restrained by a Dutchess County deputy during the brawl, but he broke free and then stabbed Smith.

"Hopefully everything comes out to the light," added Smith.

Ortiz-Ocampo's lawyers argued he was trying to get away from the brawl when Smith charged at him, and that he swung his knife in self-defense.

The trial resumes Tuesday where testimony from deputies who broke up the brawl will be heard along with cellphone video of the incident from several angles.