Security tight as trial begins for man accused of killing witness, fiancée

CENTENNIAL - Jury selection began Monday in Arapahoe County in the first-degree murder trial of a man who's already serving life in prison without parole.

The latest charges could bring the death penalty for 23-year-old Sir Mario Owens if he's convicted of killing an engaged couple almost three years ago.

Owens is accused of killing Vivian Wolfe and her fiance, Javad Marshall-Fields, who was scheduled to testify against Owens and another man in a separate case. Wolfe and Marshall-Fields were shot to death in a vehicle at an Aurora intersection in June 2005.

In January 2007, Owens was convicted of killing Gregory Vann, a friend of Marshall-Fields.

Vann was killed in an Aurora park in July 2004.

Marshall-Fields was to have testified at Owens' trial the day after he was killed.

Owens is the first of three suspects set to be tried in this case. Robert Ray and Parrish Carter are also charged with first-degree murder.

The courtroom was closed to the public on Monday during the initial jury selection, but it's expected to be open again once general jury selection begins.

A gag order is in place for all participants in the case and there's strict security for anyone going into the courtroom.

Former Denver District Attorney Norm Early says it is tough to seat a jury in cases such as this one because jurors may fear retaliation if they find the suspect guilty.

"There was a day we could tell people we've never lost a witness. We can't say that anymore," said Early.

Early says jurors could be just as at-risk as any witness.

"In these cases the chances of that happening are increased because they have proven that they can and will kill. And killing a juror or their family is not too far from killing a witness," said Early. "It has happened around the country where jurors have felt intimidation and as a result of the intimidation returned what we felt has not been a fair and just verdict."

Ray goes on trial on Aug. 18 and Carter will go to trial on Feb. 2, 2009.