dan grossman, of nbc's denver affiliate, k-u-s-a was in the courtroom for opening statements. >> the's parents who are there, a lot of family members. aunts, uncles. and even just people from the public were interested in this case. >> reporter: the prosecution's allegation was perfectly clear: ---tom fallis argued with his wife and in a fit of rage, shot and killed her. >> at the conclusion of this case after you've received all of the evidence, you will be convinced, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it is him who pulled the trigger. >> reporter: prosecution witnesses said ashley was in high spirits at her new year's eve party, not at all suicidal. >> she was happy the whole night laughing, smiling. >> she was dancing with her children, um, interacting with all the guests >> reporter: tom, though? ashley's uncle john testified about tom's sudden blow up when he discovered ashley asked him for a joint. >> and i was sort of taken aback by it, because everything was fine that night then all of a sudden, boom. so i was just like woah. >> reporter: a neighbor said ashley told her how tom