Jury Seated in Trial of Mitchell Man Accused of Killing Wife

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — A 12-person jury with three alternates will hear the case of a Mitchell man accused of killing his wife a year ago.

The Daily Republic reports that the jury was seated Monday in the murder trial of 50-year-old Donald McDougal, which is scheduled for up to two weeks. Attorneys are set to give opening statements Thursday.

McDougal is accused of strangling 49-year-old Janie McDougal with a shoelace in their Mitchell apartment in September 2014. He told police he believed his wife might have hung herself.

McDougal earlier pleaded not guilty to alternate murder and manslaughter charges. He could face life in prison if convicted.

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