TYLER - The defense will begin its case on Monday morning linking one man to murders from almost two decades ago.

Darnell Hartsfield is accused of taking five people from a Kentucky Fired Chicken restaurant in Kilgore and killing them.

The state rested its case Thursday and both sides took the day off on Sunday to prepare for next week.

Prosecutors say Hartsfied is linked to the crime by DNA tests done on blood found at the restaurant.

Hartsfields cousin, Romeo Pinkerton accepted a plea bargain last year and agreed to five life prison terms.