Trial Underway in Polo Player’s Slaying

In a case that shocked this state’s horse-riding community, Susan Cummings went on trial, accused in the killing of Argentine polo player Roberto Villegas. Cummings, 35, pleaded not guilty in a Warrenton court to charges of first-degree murder and unlawful use of a firearm. The heiress of a billionaire arms dealer, Cummings’ trial will hinge on her claim of self-defense. Cummings called police Sept. 7, saying she had killed Villegas at her 350-acre estate after he attacked her with a knife. Police found Villegas lying in a pool of blood with four bullet wounds in his arm, chest and neck. She faces 20 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.