NORTHAMPTON — Opening arguments begin Tuesday morning in the trial of Brian Camp, a Southampton man charged with manslaughter in the killing of Johnathan Letendre of Northampton in December 2022.

According to the Northwestern district attorney’s office, Camp, 24, is the boyfriend of a woman with whom Letendre, 27, previously had a relationship. According to the DA’s office, in the early morning of Dec. 27, 2022, Letendre entered Camp’s girlfriend’s home on South Street in Chesterfield unannounced and an altercation occurred in which Camp allegedly shot Letendre twice, with an eight-minute interval between shots.

First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne said the first shot was considered to be self-defense. The second shot hit Letendre in the back of the head, which led to the manslaughter indictment. The office of the chief medical examiner had ruled the death a homicide.

Family members of Letendre had previously told the Gazette there remained unanswered questions as to why Letendre, who worked as a general manager for Dunkin’ Donuts in Northampton, had arrived at the house so early when he was due at work soon after. According to Letendre’s mother, he had not taken his wallet with him, nor did he appear to have gotten dressed before leaving his house that night, only taking a key for his car. Letendre’s mother also told the Gazette that he had gifted Camp’s girlfriend an expensive Louis Vitton purse just weeks before he was killed.

Though the incident occurred in late December 2022, it took several months for Camp to be indicted in Letendre’s death.

Jury selection for the trial was held and completed Monday, paving way for the opening arguments to begin the next day.

Northwestern First Assistant District Attorney Steven E. Gagne is prosecuting the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Defense Attorney Thomas Kokonowski is Camp’s defense attorney. Judge James Manitsas is presiding over the trial.

If convicted, Camp faces up to 20 years in state prison or 2½ years in the House of Correction. Once opening arguments are completed, witnesses are expected to be called to the stand, with the trial expected to last into next week.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.