LEBANON, Ohio -- A former police lieutenant appeared in court Tuesday as he stands trial for his involvement in his wife's murder.

Jim Barton is accused of plotting a burglary at his home in 1995. However, prosecutors said the burglary ended with Barton's wife, Vickie, (pictured, below) being killed.

Officials said that when the jury walked into the courthouse Tuesday morning, they did not know much about the case. But, during opening statements, the prosecution and the defense talked about what they believed happened on April 11, 1995.

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Slideshow: Jim Barton

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The prosecution and the defense both agree that on April 11, Vickie Barton returned home after having lunch with her husband, Jim. What happened next will be up to the jury to decide.

Prosecutors said Jim Barton arrived home later that afternoon, discovered his wife's body and called 911. Prosecutors played part of the 911 tape and they believe Barton is heard saying, "Oh man, I got to call Phelp, man." The prosecutor said that line will be a key in the whole trial.

Prosecutors believe Barton hired a now deceased man named Will Phelps to burglarize his home and to scare Vickie Barton. They believe Barton wanted to scare his wife because he wanted to move out of Franklin and move to Springboro, where he wanted to be police chief.

Prosecutors believe Phelps and another man broke into the Bartons' home, but instead of scaring Vickie, they killed her and sexually assaulted her.

The defense said Barton and his wife had a good marriage. Attorney Jon Paul Rion said his client never mentioned William Phelps or Phelps on the 911 tape. He said the 911 call is indicating that Barton is calling out for help.