Editor’s Note: This story contains descriptions that are sexual in nature.

Opening arguments began on Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of killing an Elvis tribute artist.

Ronald Rayher, 70, is accused of killing TJ Krider, also known as TJ Greene, at his home in Milton on April 5, 2024.

Both prosecutors and the defense agree that Krider died after some role play and other sexual fantasies that involved chloroform. They both agree that the bondage and the games were fully consensual, and that the victim wanted to pretend to be kidnapped, tied up and chloroformed.

During the opening arguments, the jury heard that the two men had known each other for awhile and had recently reconnected.

They set up a contract to engage in sexual activity. On the day Krider died, Rayher picked him up at his Ticonderoga home. He gave him some chloroform and zip-tied him in the truck on the way to the home.

They also stopped at Target. On the way there, Krider begins to feel ill. They arrive at Rayher’s house and engage in role play.

Krider asks to be chloroformed again in the basement. Rayher goes upstairs to get some food and other items and comes back to find Krider with a rag over his face dead.

He does not call 911. Prosecutors claim he gets rid of the chloroform and dump’s Krider’s belongings in Warren County.

He then goes to authorities four days later to report the death.

The prosecution said that Rayher, who is a chiropractor and studied biology and chemistry, should have known not to use more chloroform when Krider got sick.

The defense said the tragedy is not a crime and fear and panic are not evidence of guilt.

Rayher is expected to take the stand in his own defense.