Driver’s Murder Trial To Begin

Fri., Oct. 25, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

After four days of jury selection, a murder trial that could set a precedent in Washington state opens today in Spokane County Superior Court.

James Barstad, an alleged drunken driver accused of killing a woman and a teenage girl, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Drivers involved in fatal wrecks usually face vehicular homicide charges.

Testimony in the trial is expected to last about a week.

Barstad, 30, is accused of killing 26-year-old Karen Sederholm and 14-year-old Julie Allen last May in a collision at Hamilton and Mission.

Police say Barstad was drunk, had drugs in his truck and was speeding at the time of the crash. Witnesses say the truck ran a red light and smashed into three cars at the intersection.

, DataTimes

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