SAN DIEGO -- The trial of the man accused of killing 7-year-old Danielle van Dam got underway Tuesday, four months after the girl was reported missing from her bedroom.

WESTERFIELD TRIAL Judge William Mudd Issues Death Penalty Sentence Hear Jury's Death Penalty Recommendation Watch The Jury's Verdict Being Read Share Your Thoughts DANIELLE VAN DAM 1994-2002 Watch Danielle Video Montage E-mail: daniellevandam @yahoo.com Send mail to: P.O. Box 501515 San Diego, 92150

Superior Court Judge William Mudd opened the trial with instructions for the 18 jurors and alternates, including warnings to avoid inappropriate discussion of the case or exposure to media reports about it.

David Westerfield, 50, is charged with kidnapping and murdering the second-grade girl who lived two doors away from his home in a suburban neighborhood. He has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted.

The prosecution outlined new forensic evidence against Westerfield, Tuesday morning.

Deputy District Attorney Jeff Dusek told jurors that investigators found Danielle's hair and carpet fibers from her home in the house and 35-foot motor home of Westerfield.

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Dusek Attacks Inconsistency Of Westerfield

The forensic evidence is in addition to previously disclosed blood from the girl that was found on Westerfield's jacket and in his motor home.

Dusek (pictured, right) warned jurors they should be prepared to view child pornography allegedly seized from Westerfield's home and photos of Danielle's corpse.

Danielle's nude body was discovered Feb. 27 along a rural road east of San Diego.

Dusek told the jurors: "Somebody dumped her body like trash. ... The evidence will show you who that is."

At the start of the trial, Danielle's parents, Brenda and Damon van Dam, attempted to enter the courtroom. They were barred because they have been called as witnesses. A family spokeswoman, Sara Muller Fraunces, says it was "excruciating" for the parents to be kept out.

Steven Feldman, the lead defense attorney, is currently giving his opening statement.

During the preliminary hearing, Feldman questioned Danielle's parents, Damon and Brenda van Dam, about their use of alcohol and marijuana on the night of their daughter's disappearance, issues that he is likely to revisit at trial.

Both the prosecution and defense have indicated they would call the parents as witnesses.

The trial is expected to last until early August.

Programming Note: Due to the trial coverage on Channel 10, One Life To Live and General Hospital will be aired Wednesday, June 5 starting at 1:40 a.m.