GREENSBORO, N.C. — The trial started for a man accused of shooting and killing a Speedway gas station employee back in 2021.
Avion Bell is pleading not guilty.
We learned nearly two years ago that North Carolina will not seek the death penalty against Bell.
Bell is being tried for first-degree murder and if convicted will face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
His family along with the victims family were in courtroom Tuesday as a jury was selected.
Here's a little background as to how we got here.
Avion Bell is accused of shooting 72-year-old Patricia Grant at the gas station on Battleground Avenue nearly 3 years ago.
A witness, who prosecutors said is a regular customer at that gas station, was in the bathroom and heard the entire incident.
Witnesses and surveillance video led officers to Bell's mom's house on Martha's Place. Police said Bell's mom was confrontational with them, denying Bell lived there.
Police obtained a search warrant and found a handgun in the home. Officials said the gun was confirmed to be the murder weapon.
Police also found a stolen cell phone. Investigators said there were social media videos of Bell in the same distinctive green winter coat he wore when he allegedly murdered Grant.
Greensboro police said Bell and his brother have known gang associations. Officers are familiar with the pair due to who they hang around.
Bell has a criminal record dating back to 2019. That year he was convicted of a string of robberies and assaulting a school employee.
Prosecutors gave Bell a plea deal that reduced his previous violent crimes to lesser charges allowing him to walk free due to the lack of evidence before he was accused of killing 72-year-old Patricia Grant.
Friends who knew grant have told us that she was a very nice lady who was always willing to help people.
The prosecution on Tuesday said that police officers apart of the street crimes unit will be testifying in this case.
The trial should last a week long.
Stay with WFMY News 2 as this trial continues.
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