DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News has covered the growing anticipation as the first defendant charged in connection to the death of Irvo Otieno prepared for the first day of his five-day jury trial. Our 8News crew was in the courtroom all day on Monday, Sept. 30. Turnout was higher than some expected — and higher than the courthouse planned for. Some people had to wait out in the lobby at the beginning of the day, because just so many people showed up to support one side or the other. ALL COVERAGE: Death of Irvo Otieno However, things moved relatively quickly. Both sides gave their opening statements and the Commonwealth called at least seven witnesses. Prosecutors opened by saying a mental health crisis should not be a death sentence. They detailed how Irvo Otieno cried out for his mother as the defendant, Wavie Jones, and others attempted to restrain him prior to his death. Jones's team's opening statement centered around the responsibilities that came with his position with Central State Hospital. They said he followed policy, which was to help protect employees from danger. They suggested that the then-28-year-old Otieno died from a "sudden cardiac event" rather than asphyxiation. Multiple Virginia State Police special agents took the stand on Monday. They walked the courtroom through crime scene photos, which included some difficult images of Otieno's body. MORE: ‘We don’t want to break people’: Lawmakers, advocates make recommendations after Irvo Otieno’s death His mother raised her arms and became visibly emotional as both sides discussed the death of not just her son, but her best friend. While the prosecution displayed many images of the crime scene and Otieno's injuries -- which included deep bruising on various parts of his body -- she told media that a specific type of picture was missing from the trial. Often, prosecutors will display an image of a victim in a courtroom during the opening statement to help put a face to the name for a jury. Caroline Ouko noted that prosecutors did not bring out any such image of her son. "He was a human being who lived in this world," Ouko said. "He had a life just like all of us. My son is faceless in his own trial. His picture was not shown in court today and that was very disturbing." MORE: ‘My son was treated like a dog:’ Irvo Otieno’s family speaks after seeing video of the moments before his death This is the first day of a five-day trial, so stay with 8News as we continue to follow these proceedings closely.