AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- The trial for the man accused of murdering two people in Amsterdam last March is set to begin today.

Ivan Ramos is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Ramos was indicted in connection with the murders of 56-year-old William McDermott and 46-year-old Cheryl Goss, both formerly of Amsterdam.

Ramos has been behind bars since the day of the murders for unrelated charges.