PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The trial of a man accused of stabbing an 81-year-old Woonsocket woman to death nearly eight years ago entered its second day Thursday. Loved ones of Constance Gauthier filled the courtroom as 27-year-old Matthew Dusseault was brought in wearing handcuffs. On March 23, 2016, a neighbor discovered Gauthier's lifeless body after peering through one of the windows and noticed her legs sticking out from underneath a mattress. Investigators later revealed Gauthier had been stabbed more than 60 times and her home had been staged to look ransacked, with overturned chairs and tossed bedding — but nothing appeared to be missing. While charges were initially filed against that neighbor, they were later dismissed due to lack of evidence. Dusseault was indicted in January 2018 after prosecutors said his genetic profile matched touch DNA with mixed blood on three pieces of Gauthier's bedroom furniture. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and the state is seeking life in prison without parole. On Wednesday, the jury heard from Gauthier’s physical therapist, who testified that she became concerned after Gauthier missed an appointment without calling. When she went to Gauthier’s home, no one answered the door, and newspapers were piled up on the front steps. MORE COVERAGE: Trial begins for suspect in 2016 Woonsocket murder Testimony resumed Thursday with Lt. Ronald Marcos, the first officer to respond to the scene. Marcos described discovering Gauthier’s body in a pool of blood, accompanied by photographs of the crime scene presented in court. Lt. Christopher Brooks, who investigated Gauthier’s home after she was found, also testified about the evidence collected. Among those in the courtroom was Gauthier’s best friend, Bev Daignault, who plans to attend every day of the trial. "[We] traveled together. Went out to eat. Went to shows," Daignault told 12 News. "[She was] just a fun-loving person. Loved life. Yeah. And to have it taken away from her was sad." Gauthier, a lifelong Woonsocket resident, worked for the school department and served on the city’s personnel board. Daignault said she was devastated to learn of her friend’s murder. While the trial is painful to sit through, she feels it’s necessary. "I wanted to be here for Constance," Daignault added. "I hope the outcome is in her favor and puts closure to it." TARGET 12: Bail hearing reveals timeline in 2016 murder of elderly Woonsocket woman Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW