TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. -- The trial for a Tompkins County man accused of murdering his father, will begin Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Matthew Taranto shot his father several times in the torso in the basement of their Trumansburg home back in November.

After crawling to a neighbor's house for help that evening, Sal Taranto died of his wounds. Matthew Taranto has admitted to pulling the trigger, but pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.

The defense said Taranto may have a diminished capacity, claiming he suffers from Asperger's Syndrome as well as obsessive compulsive disorder. They also claim that Matthew may have suffered abuse at the hands of his father up to the day of the shooting.

Taranto's attorney said his client is competent to stand trial and will assist in his own defense.