Opening statements begin in Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial

News 12 was inside the courtroom Wednesday as Orange County prosecutors revealed for the first time that murder-for-hire suspect Enoch Lowe was high school friends with the man he allegedly hired to kill his neighbor in 2022.

Prosecutors also said Lowe later tried to pay inmates to intimidate and physically assault that same friend, Damante Stansberry, inside Orange County Jail after Stansberry flipped and started working with the District Attorney’s Office against Lowe.

Lowe was seen smiling and wearing a suit at the start of his trial.

The 25-year-old Town of Wallkill man is accused of orchestrating the stabbing death of 53-year-old Jeffrey Harris.

Prosecutors outlined a long history of bad blood between the neighbors during opening statements, including alleged remarks Lowe made during one incident years before the murder that he would kill Harris “if it was legal.”

Lowe allegedly paid Stansberry $15,000 and gave him cannabis to carry out the crime .

Stansberry appears to be the prosecution’s key witness in the case, along with Harris’ wife of 27-years, Elizabeth Harris.

Lowe’s defense said during opening remarks that they plan to question Stansberry’s credibility on the stand. Stansberry has already pleaded guilty to his role in the murder under a plea deal and is expected to be sentenced to 18 years to life in prison .

Lowe could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if he’s found guilty.

Stay with News 12 for the latest on the trial as testimony begins.