ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) — A murder trial for 31-year-old Derrick Scott Thompson in the alleged 2007 slaying of his girlfriend begins in Calhoun County with jury selection.

Prosecutors claim that Thompson shot and killed 28-year-old Menechia Coheely as she sat in her car at their Piedmont home on July 19, 2007.

Defense attorney Fred Lawton contends the shooting was an unfortunate accident. He says Thompson had a rifle that day because he was checking on his rabbit traps.

Assistant District Attorney Brian McVeigh argues the shooting was intentional.

Because Thompson has prior convictions, he faces life in prison for a murder conviction, or a minimum of 20 years for a manslaughter conviction.