Woman accused of killing her child goes on trial

Associated Press

June 08, 2009 02:32 pm

— RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. (AP) — A woman accused of setting a fire that killed her 6-year-old son is going on trial in a capital murder case.
Authorities say 30-year-old Christie Michelle Scott of Russellville intentionally started the fire on Aug. 16, 2008 for monetary gain. Prosecutors say she purchased a life insurance policy for her son, Mason, shortly before his death.
Jury selection began on Monday in Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey’s courtroom. If convicted of capital murder, Scott could receive a death sentence.
Defense attorney Robert Tuten said it could take a week just to get a jury.