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Trial to begin this week for man accused in Kalamazoo Co. crash that killed 5 bicyclists

Posted at 1:08 PM, Apr 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-24 07:21:57-04

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP/FOX 17) — A trial is expected to run about two weeks for a man involved in a 2016 crash that killed five bicyclists and injured four others in southwestern Michigan.

Prospective jurors in the case of Charles Pickett are appearing Monday in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court and jury selection is expected to take place Tuesday. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office told FOX 17 that Monday's activities were a "pre-screening" process.

The Michigan Supreme Court earlier this year decided against hearing an appeal of the second-degree murder charges he faces.

Pickett is accused of driving under the influence of drugs and plowing into a group of bicyclists in Cooper Township on June 7, 2016. His girlfriend told police he downed handfuls of pain pills and muscle relaxers before driving.

Pickett's lawyer has argued the evidence established, at most, the elements of reckless driving causing death.

FOX 17 will have coverage throughout the trial, which is expected to begin Wednesday.