Stella Nickell's trial began with the prosecution presenting evidence linking her to the 1986 cyanide-laced Excedrin capsules that killed two people, including her husband. Key testimony focused on her financial motives, particularly her husband's life insurance policy, and forensic evidence that suggested the tampered bottles came from her local stores. The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and unreliable, attempting to cast doubt on the credibility of the witnesses, including her own daughter.