BALTIMORE, MD - Three officers are expected to stand trial beginning Monday for the beating death of Baltimore City inmate Raymond Smoot.

Former corrections officers Dameon Woods, Nathan Colbert, and James Hatcher are charged with murder, assault, and conspiracy in connection with Smoot's death. Their attorneys are expected to argue that pre-trial publicity will make it impossible for their clients to get a fair trial in Baltimore City.

They're expected to ask for a change of venue.

Evidence in the case includes eyewitness accounts that allege the three former officers went inside the cell, in which they were only supposed to be guarding Smooth, and then threw him to the ground before beating and stomping him. Graphic images show Smoot was severely swollen, cut, and bruised from the beating.

In October, the defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment.