The trial begins for the man accused of strangling a La Crosse woman to death.

Izelia Golatt, 45, faces first-degree intentional homicide charges for the death of Kristen Tabbert Rodgers.

Police say Golatt and Rodgers knew each other and were together the night before Rodgers' body was found in a north side La Crosse parking lot.

They also say drugs will play an integral part in the case.

The trial is expected to last at least a-week and Golatt faces life in prison if convicted.