MORRISON – Attorneys are set to deliver opening statements today in the second murder trial of a man accused of bludgeoning to death eight people during a 2008 killing spree through Illinois and Missouri that lasted several days.

Nicholas Sheley, 33, has pleaded not guilty in the death of 93-year-old Russell Reed of Sterling in northwest Illinois. Sheley is charged with several counts of first-degree murder and one count each of home invasion and residential burglary.

Jury selection ended Friday with three alternates chosen to join the 12 jurors. Jurors include a certified nursing assistant, a retiree and a farmer. The evidence phase of the Whiteside County trial is expected to last two weeks.