SANDPOINT — A detective who investigated the death of a Vay man’s wife in Washington state in 1997 testified that Barry Brandon Beckford was quick to blame the woman’s drug use for her death, according to reporting by the Yakima Herald.

Beckford also bluntly told the couple’s two sons, ages 7 and 11, that their mother was dead.

“Boys, your mom is dead. She’s been shot,” Dave Thompson, the lead detective in Deborah Bailey’s killing, testified during Beckford’s trial in Yakima Superior Court this week.

Beckford’s matter-of-fact remarks struck the detective was devoid of compassion.

Another detective, Jeff Gillespie, told jurors that Beckford lacked emotion when giving a statement to investigators at the sheriff’s office, a response Gillespie found “strange” and concerning, the Herald reported.

Under cross-examination Beckford’s defense counsel, Adolfo Banda Jr., asked Gillespie whether he would have been concerned if Beckford was crying heavily.

“People all react differently,” the Herald quoted Gillespie saying.

Banda also noted that Beckford voluntarily spoke to investigators.

Beckford is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, who was 32. The prosecution put on a detailed opening presentation for jurors on the state’s case, which is largely circumstantial.

Banda countered that the state lacks evidence linking Beckford to the killing and argued that jurors should acquit him.

The state intends to prove that Beckford arranged to kill his wife when they left their home near Selah, Wash., to buy cocaine. After shooting her, Beckford got a ride from the scene on Naches Wenas Grade. A prosecution witness is expected to testify that Beckford admitted killing her and said the gun that was used to kill her was cut into pieces and disposed of in the water, the Herald reported.

Banda also rejected that the couple’s marriage was in disarray and said the alleged confession came to light only after the witness’s wife was involved in a driving under the influence case.

Beckford, 62, pleaded not guilty and has steadfastly maintained his innocence since Bailey was killed.

The trial resumes next week and could take up to five weeks.