Opening arguments were held on Tuesday for a man accused of murdering American Indian movement activist Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash.

The jury was picked and it includes one Indian. At least one other Indian was excused because he said an Indian could not get a fair trial in the justice system.

Arlo Looking Cloud is one of two men indicted for the murder. Pictou-Aquash was found dead on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in February 1976.

U.S. Attorney Jim McMahon said he might call about 20 witnesses. According to the Associated Press, the list includes Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement director Bob Ecoffey, former American Indian Movement leader John Trudell and Troy Lynn Yellow Wood, one of the last persons to see Pictou-Aquash alive before she was taken away to South Dakota.

According to the AP, Russell Means and Vernon Bellecourt attended the trial yesterday.

Get the Story:
U.S. Attorney Jim McMahon listed about 20 possible witnesses (AP 2/3) Prosecutors Call Witnesses In AIM Trial (AP 2/4)
Murder trial casts shadow on jailed hero of Wounded Knee (The London Independent 2/4)

Relevant Links:
Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash Info - http://www.dickshovel.com/annalay.html

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