By Rachel Cook

Tribune Intern

The trial of Christopher L. Blunkall, a native of Winchester, began Monday morning and was continuing when the Tribune went to press Tuesday.

Blunkall has pleaded not guilty to allegations of child rape, a crime the prosecution says took place at Lewisburg's Walking Horse Lodge in April 2012.

Blunkall, 33, began a texting relationship with a 12-year-old girl, also a Franklin County native, when she texted his number in 2011. They made plans to meet at a church near the girl's home, and from there, drove to Lewisburg and rented a motel room.

Witnesses called by the prosecution to testify so far have included the victim's mother, grandmother, neighbor, and the victim herself. The victim testified that she told Blunkall her name and age when she first began texting him. Detective Kelly Gass, of the Winchester Police Department, also testified, reading from a log of the text messages exchanged between Blunkall and the victim the day of the incident. The victim asked him to come to her school and pick her up, and texted him the name of her middle school, but then decided to meet him after school.

In Monday's opening statement, Robert Peters, Blunkall's defense attorney, told the jury that they would "find more than enough reasonable doubt" that any sexual act took place at the Walking Horse Lodge. He also stated, "The text messages that took place over that year created a fantasy world for both of them. It was exploded when they met."

In contrast, the prosecution's opening statement, delivered by Assistant District Attorney Mike Randles, said, "The facts [in this case] really aren't that difficult to follow." He revealed to the jury that "medical proof" was to be provided by the nurse who examined the victim after the incident. Though he admitted that the victim went with the defendant of her own free will, Randall reminded the court that legally, "a 12-year-old cannot give consent."

The jury of eight women and four men is expected to give a verdict by Wednesday. For updates, see www.marshalltribune.com.