WATCH LIVE: Closing arguments, verdict in Blauvelt trial

(WSPA) – The trial of a man accused of murdering his estranged wife in the Upstate eight years ago is expected to conclude Friday.

John Tufton Blauvelt was arrested in Oregon in 2022 for reportedly killing his estranged wife Catherine "Cati" Boyter-Blauvelt. Police believed that the suspect allegedly killed his estranged wife by stabbing her to death.

The pre-trial began late Monday afternoon, with testimony from the U.S. Marshall in charge of arresting Blauvelt. He testified Blauvelt was in "pure shock" when officers took him to the ground and asked "if he was John Blauvelt."

Blauvelt told officers that his name was "Ben."

Tuesday, the trial began with opening statements from the South Carolina Attorney General's Office and Hannah Thompson , who was Blauvelt's alleged 17-year-old girlfriend. Thompson is charged with accessory after the fact , among other charges.

Thompson testified that Blauvelt told her he was going to kill Boyter-Blauvelt. Thompson added, that after they fled the state, he told her how he did it.

The trial continued on Wednesday with an emotional testimony from Wayne Roper , a friend of John and Cati Blauvelt. Roper, called by the state, testified that he was the one who found Boyter-Blauvelt's body in the basement of the abandoned home.

Thursday, another friend of John and Cati Blauvelt testified . She stated that Blauvelt told her if he helped kill Boyter-Blauvelt, he would split the $100,000 life insurance money with her.

Other witnesses have echoed that same story.

Several incriminating text messages sent by the suspect were also read in court on Wednesday and Thursday.

Closing arguments are expected to begin Friday morning.