Opening arguments delayed in trial of NJ father accused of raping, impregnating daughters

Trial delay for NJ man accused of raping daughters

PATERSON, N.J. — Opening arguments are delayed in the trial of a New Jersey man accused of raping five of his daughters and impregnating three.

The man told a judge in state Superior Court in Paterson on Thursday that he had been assaulted by another prisoner during transport from the jail to the courthouse. The judge ordered an investigation and asked a doctor to examine the man before opening statements can begin.

The man’s former wife is scheduled as the first witness. She testified in pretrial hearings that her husband had apocalyptic visions and wanted to create “pure” family bloodlines. She also said he administered beatings and other forms of punishment.

The man and his wife are not being identified by The Associated Press to protect the identities of their children.