Bob Carpenter interevened in an argument between his mother and stepfather and died as a result.
Walter Carpenter, 63, was charged in 2004 with murder in the shooting death of Bob Carpenter. The trial began today as both sides laid out their strategies in opening statements.
Seven women and six men were picked as jurors Monday. Only 12 will deliberate the case; the other is an alternate.
Jury selection took the entire first day of trial.
Johnnie Walls, who represents the elder Carpenter, expects to prove his client acted in self-defense. Walls said a killing occurred, but "it's not whether (Bob Carpenter) died or not; it's whether he was murdered."
But District Attorney Joyce Chiles called the shooting a "cold-blooded murder."
Bob Carpenter died of a single gunshot wound to the chest nearly two years ago at the family's home at 808 Dewey St.
He juxtaposed his client's seeming frail physical condition with that of a younger, healthier man. Bob Carpenter was 46 when he died.
Before the jury was seated, District Attorney Joyce Chiles asked prospective members of the panel if they could go by the law as instructed by the judge instead of feeling sorry for Walter Carpenter because of his appearance.
Bob Carpenter was widely known for his play-by-play announcing for the JSU Tigers. His career spanned more than two decades.
