The trial for two people accused in the 2008 killing of a 13-year-old Mississauga girl whose body was later found stuffed in a garbage bag began Wednesday in Brampton, Ont.

Rafal LaSota, 27, and Michelle Liard, 21, both of Mississauga, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Aleksandra Firgan-Hewie.

Police alleged at the time of their arrest that the two accused were friends of the victim, who was beaten and stabbed 37 times.

Crown prosecutor Jennifer Goulin gave the grisly details in her opening statement, saying Liard had mentioned to other friends about how she "wanted to experiment with [Aleksandra]" and wanted to "cut her up into little pieces."

The details drew tears in the courtroom from the victim's family. But it was the tears coming from LaSota that angered Aleksandra's mother.

Accused's tears 'pathetic'

"It was awful. It was awful. I believe I saw him cry. I thought it was very pathetic," Milena Firgan said.

Outside the courthouse, she said her daughter just wanted to make some friends.

"I think that Aleksandra, because she was new to the area, she wanted to belong," she said.

Ontario Superior Court Judge David Corbett made it clear to the jury that "Mr. LaSota killed her," but reminded the jurors it was their duty to decide on the level of planning and intent that went into the act.

LaSota confessed about the the slaying to his own mother, who turned him in.

Neighbours said in the immediate aftermath that the killing came as a shock, but added that there had been some alcohol and drug activity on the street.

The juried trial is expected to last four weeks.