Witness takes the stand in trial for double murder of an elderly couple

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Several witnesses took the stand in the trial of a 20-year-old Romeo Jay Arellano for brutally murdering an elderly couple.

One witness was a family member of the victims, 82-year-old Manuel Marquez and 79-year-old Patricia Marquez.

The witness said their family went to the Marquez household after receiving a call from Arellano's grandfather.

When they arrived at the home, the witness said they saw blood on the doormat.

The witness was emotional on the stand as she described the smell coming from inside the home as something rotting, like a dead animal.

After entering the home, the witness said the house was unusually messy. 

There was blood in certain spots throughout the house, and it looked like some of it had tried to be cleaned up.

As they entered the house further the witness said the rotting smell grew stronger from the guest room.

After entering the room and seeing blood on the floor, they decided to leave the house and call 911.

The prosecution said Manuel was stabbed at least 18 times, while Patricia was stabbed at least eight times, and says they found items in Arellano's possession, tying him to the victim's murder.

Arellano faces seven felonies, including two counts of premeditated first-degree murder.

The maximum sentence Arellano could receive, if he's found guilty, is life without parole for each murder.