STARKVILLE — The trial of a former Mississippi State University student accused of killing his roommate last year at an off-campus apartment is set to begin today in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.
Bobby Batiste, of Preston, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in July 2008 to a charge of capital murder while in the commission of a robbery, and has been held without bond since. He is accused of killing Andreas Galanis, 28, of Biloxi.
Galanis’ body was discovered by authorities during the evening hours of March 7, 2008, at a residence the two men shared at 21 Apartments on Oktoc Road. Police were responding to concerns by Galanis’ parents after he did not show up for a 4 p.m. flight in Biloxi.
After gaining access to Galanis’ apartment, deputies noticed large amounts of blood. Police then discovered the victim’s body.
Authorities said they recovered a weapon, but did not disclose what it was or how Galanis died.
Galanis’ body was taken to Jackson to undergo an autopsy, though details of the report weren’t released.
According to the MSU campus directory, Galanis was a sophomore in the College of Business and Industry, while Batiste was a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Jury selection was scheduled to begin this morning in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. District Attorney Forrest Allgood is serving as prosecutor while attorney Mark Williamson is representing Batiste.
If convicted of capital murder, Batiste could face the death penalty.
