WFAA-TV

Detectives introduced evidence of the victim's clothing that was found in a trash container.

FORT WORTH — Testimony began Tuesday at the trial of Rodney Owens, who is charged with murdering a Fort Worth woman — even though the body of Glenda Furch has never been found.

Prosecutors admit that jurors will have a lot of questions in this case, but they say a trail of forensic evidence will prove that Owens is responsible for the crime.

Owens pleaded not guilty as his trial began. His attorney declined to make an opening statement, and the case moved swiftly into testimony.

Four witnesses were called Tuesday morning to lay out the physical evidence. Police said Furch's apartment was "chillingly clean," with few of her fingerprints apparent.

Prosecutors showed the jury some items that belonged to the victim that were discovered in a trash container outside the apartment building, including clothing, an ID badge, and a rug.

The defense strategy is to challenge the all of this forensic evidence.

Owens' lawyer got police to admit that there is no proof that a struggle or a murder occured in Furch's apartment.

The 51-year old grandmother was last seen in September of 2007 leaving her job at the sprawling General Motors assembly plant in Arlington.

The courtroom was filled with Furch's friends and family members. The trial is expected to last a week.

Testimony was set to continue Tuesday afternoon following a lunch break.

E-mail dmiles@wfaa.com