A one-time mayoral candidate from Genesee County will stand trial in May on murder charges.

Scott Doll appeared with his attorney Tuesday morning in Genesee County Court.

Doll is charged with murder for the beating death of his business partner. Joseph Benaquist was found beaten to death in his driveway in Pembroke in February 2009.

Sheriff's deputies said they became suspicious when they saw Doll walking down the road in bloody clothes the night Benaquist’s body was found a short time in his driveway.

Doll's lawyer said his client didn't do it.

"We've not asked for a plea – they've not offered a plea. We're trying the case. My client is not guilty. We're ready to have that result occur at the trial, so we're ready to go," said Paul Cambria, defense attorney.

Doll was a 24-year veteran of the New York State Department of Correctional Services, most recently at the Wende Correctional Facility. Benaquist also served as a state corrections officer for 17 years.

The two men also operated an auto sales business together.

Doll goes on trial for murder on May 3. The prosecution expects the trial to last three weeks. Doll is out on bail pending the outcome of his trial.

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