Jury Selected for Emily Shane Murder Trial

The final step prior to starting the trial of Sina Khankhanian, the man charged with murder in the death of Malibu eighth-grader Emily Shane, was completed on Wednesday. A jury was selected at the Airport Courthouse. The trial will begin Tuesday morning.

Khankhanian, 28, is charged with second-degree murder. If convicted, he would be sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison. Judge Katherine Mader told the defendant on Monday that she could not adjust the sentence.

Emily was killed April 3, 2010 when Khankhanian's vehicle struck her while she stood on the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway near the intersection with Heathercliff Road. Prosecutors allege the incident was a suicide attempt by Khankhanian that followed 17 miles of reckless driving on the highway.

Defense attorney Bradley Brunon says his client lost control of the vehicle and did not intend to kill the girl. He has said numerous times his client should be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison. Also, Brunon has argued that Khankhanian, who was diagnosed with autism, could not appreciate that his actions created a risk of death for himself and others.

A plea deal was offered late last month for Khankhanian to be sentenced to 15 years in prison. He would be required to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence, and with his being in custody nearly two years since Emily's death, he could be free in a little under 11 years. Brunon countered with an offer for an 11-year sentence that could have his client going free in about seven years. Neither side was willing to budge.

The trial will take place in Department D, on the eighth floor of the courthouse. It is open to the public. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks, and take place on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.