Jury Selection Underway In Shelly Stark’s New Murder Trial - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

SPOKANE, Wash. – Jury selection is underway as Shelly Stark's new murder trial is set to begin at the Spokane County Courthouse. 

Stark was convicted in 2009 of first degree premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the shooting death of her estranged husband, Dale Stark.  Stark was killed when he unexpectedly arrived at his South Hill home in December 2007 while a temporary restraining order was being served.  Shelly Stark maintained Dale got upset, threatened to kill her, and went for a knife in the kitchen.  He was shot several times, and died. 

Stark admitted to shooting her husband, but said it was in self defense, and that she was the victim of forced prostitution and domestic violence at the hands of her husband.  Prosecutors argued she met with others to get a handgun and shotgun, and they argued she killed her husband for insurance money. 

Stark appealed her convictions to the Washington State Court Of Appeals, which sided with her in 2010, paving the way for a new trial. 

12 jurors and 4 alternates must be seated before opening arguments are expected to begin next week.