Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - Jury selection began Monday for the upcoming trials of sisters accused of murdering their mother.

Attorneys began the trial process for Brenda and Catherine O'Connell, both 17, who are accused of killing 57-year-old Muriel O'Connell when the were 15. Both will be tried as adults and face life in prison if convicted.

Muriel O'Connell adopted both girls from Guatemala when they were in their early teens. She was found dead Aug. 6 at her Buford home after the girls ran to a neighbor's house to report there had been a fight and their mother was dead.

Court proceedings will not occur today because of religious observances, but Dan Mayfield, deputy chief assistant district attorney, said jury selection would continue this week and opening statements may begin Monday.