Jury Selection To Start In Wayland Teen Murder Trial

WOBURN, Mass. (AP) — The trial of a Wayland man charged with killing his ex-girlfriend is scheduled to get started.

Jury selection in the trial of 20-year-old Nathanial Fujita is expected to start Monday in Middlesex Superior Court.

Fujita has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the July 2011 death of Lauren Astley.

Both were 18 at the time and had just graduated from Wayland High School.

Prosecutors say Fujita stabbed and strangled Astley, then left her body in a marshy area of town.

The prosecution and the defense say they expect the trial to last about two weeks.

Fujita's lawyer has previously indicated he may use an insanity defense.

Wayland High is making counselors available to students and staff to help them cope during the trial.