BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday afternoon in the capital murder trial of Troy MacDonald, who has pleaded guilty in the rape and murder of Brianna Parish of Daphne.

Defense attorney J. Clark Stankoski said jurors will be filling out questionnaires today and are expected to be seated tomorrow morning. He said testimony may conclude early next week.

MacDonald, 47, of Randall Avenue, Daphne, agreed earlier to plead guilty in exchange for the removal of the death penalty, according to Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb.

He still must go to trial, and the state must prove his guilt to a jury under Alabama law.

Newcomb said today she talked to Parish’s family and they are satisfied with the plea.

“I talked to them yesterday,” Newcomb said. “It’s still a difficult time for the family and upsetting.”

Parish’s body was found Nov. 14, 2008, near the Daphne Utilities sewage plant. A search team organized by the victim’s family discovered her half-naked body. She was last seen around 1 a.m. two days earlier at Bay House Pub.

She was killed by blunt-force injuries to the head, according to court records.

MacDonald was arrested Dec. 23, 2008, and indicted Feb. 13, 2009.