The trial of a man accused of stabbing his grandmother to death started Tuesday in Polk County.

Prosecutors say Christopher Whaley killed his grandmother in April 2012 after an argument at their Lake Wales home on north Scenic Highway. Officials say he later confessed to deputies.

During opening on Tuesday, prosecutors said Barbara Denmark's final words to her 25-year-old grandson were "I love you."

Officials said immediately after the stabbing that her words may have kept Whaley from harming other family members at the nearby home of an aunt. The jury will not hear that evidence.

Crime scene analysts and first responders gave testimony Tuesday. Prosecutors say they will wrap their case by Wednesday.

Additional testimony will focus on the events right after Whaley and his 69-year-old grandmother returned from a trip to the beach. Apparently, Whaley was upset they did not stay longer at the beach. Whaley had lived with Denmark for about five years, according to a report.

Officials said they argued and then Whaley grabbed two knives from the kitchen and stabbed his grandmother while she was in the bathtub. He then called 911. When deputies arrived, Whaley was kneeling over his grandmother's body, cradling her head.

Whaley is facing first degree murder charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

The trial is expected to last all week.