MONCTON, N.B. – The Crown called its first witnesses today in the first-degree murder trial of Fred Prosser.

Prosser is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Sabrina Patterson, the mother of his two young children.

Crown prosecutor Annie St. Jacques called a friend of Prosser’s to the stand.

Crystal Doiron told the court that Prosser said he knew something bad was going to happen, and said he wanted to choke Patterson.

Given the emotional state he was in, Doiron was concerned that Prosser might hurt himself, and did not believe he would hurt Patterson.

Amy Terrace testified that she met Prosser in grade school and reconnected with him during the summer of 2010 when they dated briefly.

Terrace told court Prosser said he could see his hands around Patterson’s neck, and he wanted to take his own life.

Two employees of Dooly’s in Riverview also took the stand, noting that Prosser was a regular at the bar.

Vicky Duguay told the court that Prosser had once mentioned he could kill his ex and get away with it, since there are a lot of woods near his house.

Courtney McKinley testified that Prosser told her he would be better off without Patterson.

Both bar employees said Prosser did not mention Patterson by name.

The Crown will continue to call witnesses when the trial resumes Thursday morning at the Moncton court house.