HOUSTON -- The widower of a slain Pearland woman testified Monday in the trial of his wife's accused killer, Local 2 reported.

Lamar Baskin Jr., 44, was charged with capital murder in the shooting and robbery of Laura Powell Higgins, 28. The interior designer was killed on Dec. 20, 2002, when she made a quick stop at a southeast Houston warehouse that was leased by her employer, Perry Homes.

Higgins' body was found near the warehouse and authorities said her purse and keys were missing.

Higgins' family sat in the courtroom during the first day of testimony. They want Baskin to receive the maximum sentence -- death.

"It wouldn't scratch the surface of bringing us justice because we will never have Laura back again, but it will definitely keep him from hurting someone else's family like this," said Jennifer Baycot, the victim's niece.

Baskin, who has a lengthy criminal past, was already in jail for an aggravated robbery case in 2002 when he was charged with the murder. He was also charged with rape in 2003 and has been convicted of robbery twice.

"It's sickening, it really is, because he was in jail before and he should have stayed there," Baycot said.

Baskin could get the death penalty if the jury finds him guilty.

Investigators linked Baskin to Higgins' murder through ballistics tests performed on the murder weapon, officials said.

An acquaintance of Baskin's told police that Baskin was at the warehouse the day of the murder.

"That person has told so many different stories that I don't think that person is credible," defense attorney Allen Isbell said.

Authorities believe Baskin is responsible for murdering, robbing and raping at least eight other people, but he has not been charged with those crimes.

Higgins left behind her 20-month-old daughter Sydney and husband.