James Biela Trial Starts in Reno

The trial of James Biela is getting underway in Reno with jury selection scheduled to start on Monday, May 10. Biela stands accused of the January, 2008 rape and murder of Brianna Denison and the sexual assaults of two UNR students in late 2007. The trial will be presided over by Judge Robert Perry in Washoe District Court. Assistant District Attorney Elliott Sattler is representing the prosecution and Deputy Public Defender Maizie Pusich is representing Biela. The trial is expected to last three weeks, with the death penalty a possible outcome.

After Denison came up missing, a massive search ensued that included scores of community volunteers and pleas for her safe release. Reno police received thousands of tips. The sad end to this part of the case came on February 15, 2008, when Denison's body was found in a south Reno field.

Police were led to Biela by DNA and other evidence after an investigation that lasted through much of 2008. Biela was arrested by Reno police detective Adam Wygnanski on November 25, 2008.

The Reno Gazette-Journal has extensive coverage of the history of the case and will be following the trial on a daily basis.

Update: A jury was successfully seated on Tuesday afternoon. The trial is set to begin.

Source: Reno Gazette-Journal.

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