KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) --- Prosecutors argued it makes their case.

The defense says it's just not relevant.

Both sides agree accused killer George Thomas' alleged statement to a Knox County Sheriff's deputy regarding an alleged victim is "inflammatory."

"(Expletive) that white girl. She don't mean nothing to me. You cops come into my neighborhood and kill us. Why should I get involved in something that's none of my business?," Detective Nevil Norman testified he heard Thomas say.

The alleged comment came after Norman's nearly hour long taped interrogation ended in Kentucky, where Thomas was arrested January 11th, 2007.

Norman testified he was alone with Thomas while they waited for other officers to enter the room.

"I said don't you wished you'd done something called someone at some point?' Norman testified.

The detective said he was "shocked" by the alleged response, but only revealed it to prosecutors 17 months later.

"It had been weighing on me the whole time after the incident," Norman said.

Assistant District Attorney Leland Price called Thomas' words motive.

He and fellow prosecutor Takisha Fitzgerald have a lack physical evidence linking Thomas to the couple's death, but they argued the statement shows Thomas is criminally responsible.

The victims' families want jurors to hear the comment.

"It just goes to prove the kinds of people we're dealing with. We're dealing with scum," Channon's mom, Deena Christian said.

"He said it. Why should it not be allowed?" Chris' dad, Hugh Newsom said.

Defense Attorney Thomas Dillard attacked why Norman didn't report it sooner, and argued the remark is irrelevant and prejudicial.

Judge Richard Baumgartner is expected to rule on the statement soon.

Thomas' trial is set to begin December first.