Nichole Rice

GRAND FORKS – Jury selection for the trial of the woman accused of the 2007 murder of her roommate Anita Knutson began Monday in Grand Forks.

Opening statements in the trial of Nichole Rice, 37, Minot, are expected this afternoon after the jury and alternates are empaneled. Two groups of 50 potential jurors were interviewed Monday morning and afternoon, with the first day concluding with the dismissal of some potential jurors for cause.

Rice’s trial was moved to Grand Forks last summer after questionnaires submitted to potential jurors in Ward County indicated it was unlikely a fair or impartial jury could be obtained.

The trial is scheduled to run three weeks, with expanded media coverage commencing with opening statements.