Ronald Coleman Jr. enters Richmond County Superior Court, where he faces charges in the abduction of Sam's Club Manager David Holt. ANNETTE M. DROWLETTE/STAFF

Dr. Fredric N. Hellman told a Richmond County Superior Court jury that 21-year-old Mr. Singh and 19-year-old Mr. Arroyo died from gunshots. Then their bodies were set on fire in the trunk of a car in July 1997, the doctor testified.

Furthermore, both young men suffered bone- cracking blows to the face before they died, Dr. Hellman testified. It also appeared that both had been restrained, probably with their hands tied behind their backs, he said.

Tuesday was the first day of actual testimony in the massive racketeering case that is being tried this week, and possibly will last for weeks to come. The trial began 12 days ago with jury selection. Pleading innocent and standing trial are Ronald Coleman Jr., 29; Carlston W. Coleman, 30; Kendric Dudley, 30; Ronnie B. Overton Jr., 22; Jarman L. Harold, 24; and Charles D. Winters, 28.

Each man is accused of violating the state's Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization law - taking part in a criminal enterprise that encompasses allegations of fraud, theft, counterfeiting, and false imprisonment and assault, which allegedly occurred in an Augusta apartment before Mr. Singh and Mr. Arroyo were taken to a rural dirt road in Warren County and killed.

Defense attorneys huddle in Richmond County Superior Court to discuss their racketeering case before the jury enters the courtroom. Tuesday was the first day of testimony in the case. ANNETTE M. DROWLETTE/STAFF

In addition, Ronald Coleman and Carlston Coleman, who are not related, are accused of armed robbery, kidnapping, hijacking a motor vehicle, burglary and weapons charges in the June 21, 1998, abduction and robbery of Sam's Club Manager David Holt. The 45-year-old South Carolina man died in the trunk of his vehicle that was set on fire across the Savannah River in Aiken County.

Before testimony began Tuesday, four defense attorneys gave opening statements to the jury, painting pictures of witnesses who will say they were present when Mr. Singh and Mr. Arroyo and then Mr. Holt were accosted and killed.

One of those expected witnesses is David Easterling, who is serving two consecutive life sentences for a Columbia County double homicide and Mr. Holt's kidnapping.

''If the state asked David Easterling what is 2 plus 2, David Easterling would ask, 'How much do you want it to be?''' said Ronald Coleman's attorney, Robert Citronberg.

Prosecutors will continue presenting witnesses today. The medical examiner who performed the autopsies on two young Augusta men is expected to continue his testimony from Tuesday.

Attorneys George Bush, Sam Sibley and Martin Puetz - on behalf of Mr. Dudley, Mr. Harold and Mr. Overton - also cautioned the jury to listen carefully not only to what such witnesses say happened, but also to what each has gained for themselves for testifying.

Mr. Sibley also focused on Mr. Easterling, who initially told investigators that Mr. Harold was involved in Mr. Holt's slaying. Mr. Harold was even named in the initial indictment in Mr. Holt's case. Mr. Easterling later admitted he lied about Mr. Harold, who was in a state detention center when Mr. Holt was killed.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Puetz focused on Antonio Tillery, who, they told the jury, is the only person who says Mr. Dudley and Mr. Overton were present when Mr. Singh and Mr. Arroyo were held, beaten and later shot to death - the only part of the RICO allegations that accuses Mr. Dudley and Mr. Overton of criminal acts.

Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226 or shodson@augustachronicle.com.