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SMITHVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A jury has begun hearing evidence in the sentencing phase of a trial for a western Kentucky man who pleaded guilty last week to killing three children and sexually assaulting their mother.

Commonwealth's Attorney G.L. Ovey began calling witnesses after making opening statements Thursday morning. Ovey detailed the crime and described how the children were killed and their mother raped. He also showed photos of the slain children.

Kevin Wayne Dunlap pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 just before his trial began to several charges including murder, rape, assault and arson in the October 2008 slayings in rural Trigg County near the Fort Campbell Army post. The jury can recommend the maximum penalty of death.

The proceedings are being held in Livingston County due to pretrial publicity.

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