LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The trial of an accused Louisville triple murderer reached its third day of testimony on Thursday.

Brice Rhodes is accused of shooting and killing 40-year-old Christopher Jones in May 2016. Later that month, he allegedly killed 14-year-old Larry Ordway and 16-year-old Maurice Gordon. Police have said Gordon and Ordway were killed at Rhodes' home in Clifton. Their bodies were dumped in the Shawnee neighborhood and set on fire.

Rhodes allegedly tied the two brothers up and made them beg for their lives before stabbing them, according to an interview with a co-defendant. The two were allegedly killed because Rhodes was worried they might tell police about his involvement in Jones' murder.

The high-profile case has been pending since 2016 and was scheduled for trial in January 2022 before Rhodes' defense asked for a competency evaluation.

Jury selection began Monday, with opening statements and testimony beginning Tuesday.

During testimony on Thursday, Jacorey Taylor, a key witness in the case, broke down in tears numerous times on the witness stand while describing details of the night Ordway and Gordon were killed and how he participated.

Brice Rhodes trial - Jacorey Taylor testimony 12-14-23

Jacorey Taylor on the witness stand testifying in the trial of accused Louisville triple murderer Brice Rhodes on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (Image courtesy of CourtTV video)

Taylor, who was 17 at the time of the murders, went on to take a plea deal for 10 years in prison, agreeing to testify against Rhodes. Taylor was released in 2021 after less than six years.

At first not cooperating, Taylor started talking and was at times overcome with emotion. 

"You know we were just as guilty, we were there, I couldn't do nothing though. I couldn't really save him," Taylor said.

He described in detail how Rhodes tied them up, put Ordway in the bathroom and stabbed Gordon. He said Rhodes killed Gordon after Ordway, and made him participate. 

"I remember him trying to break free and he pinned him down and began stabbing him, and after he was down, he handed me the knife and made me stab him as well," he said.

Taylor said he stabbed Ordway once and helped to clean up the blood after they were dead. He said he did it because he was scared of Rhodes.

He testified that Rhodes wanted the brothers dead because they'd seen him kill Jones and believed they were talking about it with people, including their mother.

"We was riding around and stopped the car, and he seen someone in the middle of the street and Brice told him to get out of the street and shot him," said Taylor. When asked who shot Jones, Taylor responded "Brice Rhodes shot him." 

The defense on Thursday pressed Taylor for originally lying to police, which he admitted to, as well as about who owned the gun used in Jones' murder. 

Taylor said Rhodes used his gun to kill Jones.

The defense also tried to pick apart Taylor flip-flopping his story, saying he originally lied to detectives and only told this version after he was facing three murder charges.

"You didn't want to answer his questions, but you decided it was the best way to get out of trouble?" The defense asked Taylor.

"You could say that, but it was just the right thing to do," Taylor responded.

If convicted, Rhodes faces life in prison. 

In October, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Julie Kaelin ruled that Rhodes is ineligible for the death penalty, saying he has a documented history of serious mental illness or intellectual disability and "this is not a close case" as to whether he is eligible for the death penalty.

Kaelin told Rhodes last week that he would be removed from court or shocked by an ankle cuff if he is disruptive during the trial.

Testimony continues Friday morning.

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