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Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Jury selection began on Monday for the trial of a Catholic priest accused of killing a Navajo man in a hit and run accident.

Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with leaving the scene of a crime. Authorities say he hit Jim Reed, 43, of Tuba City, with his car but did not stop. Reed later died.

In a short opening statement, defense lawyers said Reed, a tall and large-statured man, was impossible to see. They said he staggered across the road and was wearing dark clothes. Reed had reportedly been drinking the day of the accident.

Get the Story:
O'Brien jurors hear case previews (The Arizona Republic 1/13)

Relevant Links:
Arizona's priest scandal - http://www.azcentral.com/specials/priest

Related Stories:
Ariz. priest going on trial in Navajo man's death (1/12)
Catholic bishop pleads not guilty in hit and run case (07/08)
Navajo man, victim of hit and run, buried (06/23)
Woman: Hit and run victim appeared intoxicated (6/20)
Ariz. bishop caught in hit and run case resigns (6/19)
Bishop's alcohol use at issue in hit and run death (6/18)
Ariz. bishop arrested for hit and run death (6/17)

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