Former Ariz. Officer's Murder Trial Begins

Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a former Phoenix Police officer accused of murder and animal cruelty stemming from a domestic call almost three years ago.

Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a former Phoenix Police officer accused of murder and animal cruelty stemming from a domestic call almost three years ago.

Richard Chrisman, then a Phoenix Police officer, had responded to a trailer in south Phoenix after the mother of Daniel Rodriguez called police to say her son had damaged property during an argument on Oct. 5, 2010.

Chrisman's partner, Officer Sergio Virgillo, told investigators that Chrisman put his service pistol's muzzle to Rodriguez's temple and that the subject posed no threat, reports the Arizona Republic.

The officers used their stun guns to restrain Rodriguez, who pulled the TASER probes out of his chest. Chrisman also shot pepper spray into Rodriguez's eyes. He then drew his pistol and shot Rodriguez and his barking dog.

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