Survivor testifies in Borizov triple murder trial

April 24, 2013 (WHEATON, Ill.) (WLS) -- Another survivor of a murder in suburban Darien took the stand Wednesday in the trial of Johnny Borizov.

The Willow Springs man is accused of recruiting Jacob Nodarse to break into a home and kill a family in 2010.

In court Wednesday, Borizov sat at defense table as the lights were dimmed so the jury deciding his fate could view crime scene photo.

Darien Police Sergeant Steve Liss described what he saw inside the Kramer home in the early morning hours of March 2, 2010:

"I could see Jeffrey Kramer laying on the ground in a pool of blood," said Liss. "As I looked up, on the stairway, I saw Lori Kramer midway up the stairs."

Jeffrey and Lori Kramer's 20-year-old son, Michael, was also found shot to death. Prosecutors say Borizov ordered their deaths out of a growing hatred for the family because he was in the middle of a bitter custody battle with the Kramer's daughter, Angela.

Angela Kramer's testimony wrapped up Wednesday. Morning. She told jurors how Borizov completely controlled her after she gave birth to their son.

Angela Kramer testified about a series of violent clashes Borizov had with her family during the months leading up to the murders.

"It was a tumultuous relationship going both ways," defense attorney Susanna Ortiz said outside court. "It was a dispute over a child and who was going to get custody of the child and have visitation with the child."

Angela and her brother Anthony, who also testified Wednesday, survived the murders by hiding in their home.

A legal ruling did not allow the siblings' testimony to be videotaped, but the courtroom camera will be taping Jacob Nordarse's testimony. He has already pleaded guilty to shooting the Kramers. He is likely to tell jurors that Borizov was the mastermind behind the crime.

"This case rests and falls on the believability of Jacob Nordarse," Ortiz said. "He has a host of mental health issues dating back to when he was a child."

Prosecutors are confident jurors will find Nodarse believable. The state has not said when they plan on calling him.

The trial is expected to last about four weeks.

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local, sarah schulte

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