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Jury Begins Trial Deliberations In Slaying And Rape Of UNH Student From Mass.

DOVER, N.H. (AP) – Jurors are deliberating the fate of a 31-year-old man charged with raping and killing a University of New Hampshire student in 2012.

The five men and seven women left the courtroom to choose a foreperson and begin deliberations Thursday, after hearing instructions on the law.

Seth Mazzaglia of Dover is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the death of 19-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzi" Marriott of Westborough, Mass.

Jurors will deliberate two charges of first-degree murder; second-degree murder; conspiracy to commit witness tampering; and conspiracy to fabricate physical evidence.

Prosecutors say Mazzaglia strangled and raped Marriott after she rebuffed his sexual advances Oct. 9, 2012.

Defense lawyers say his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Kathryn McDonough, killed Marriott during rough sex involving restraints, then blamed Mazzaglia when she got immunity from prosecution.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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