LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A man accused of killing a popular Arkansas television personality is going on trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in Little Rock in the trial of Curtis Lavelle Vance. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder, rape and burglary. KATV-Little Rock anchorwoman Anne Pressly was found beaten in her bed in October 2008. She died days later without regaining consciousness.
Of the 100 or so prospective jurors summoned for a capital murder trial, only one told a judge that she had never heard of Anne Pressly and her grisly death a year ago.
Witnesses expected to testify were brought into court Monday and potential jurors were asked to identify any connections to them. Casual acquaintances were allowed to stay in the pool, but those with close ties were excused.
Prosecutors say they plan to use DNA evidence and taped confessions from Vance. Defense lawyers say police coerced Vance into providing a DNA sample before his arrest. Vance said he was confused by "police trickery." Vance is from Marianna, about 100 miles east of Little Rock. He could face the death penalty if convicted. Pressly was raised in Greenville County, and moved to Arkansas in her teen years.
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