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

Openings delayed in NJ daughters-rape trial

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

The man told a judge Thursday that he had been assaulted by another prisoner during transport from the jail to the courthouse. The judge ordered a doctor to examine the man, and no injuries were found.

The delay caused opening arguments to be rescheduled for Tuesday.

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.