NEVADA — The trial of Atiba Spellman, the man charged with killing Shakena Varnell and Michael Odikro last December, began Tuesday morning at the Story County Justice Center in Nevada with the lengthy process of jury selection.

Spellman, an Ames resident and former ISU student, was accused of killing the two around Odikro’s apartment in Ames.

Nearly 65 people were selected for jury duty, from which a random pool of 36 names was selected. Those 36 were asked about their prior knowledge of the case, and whether or not they personally knew the suspect, prosecutors, defense attorneys or victims.

Many of the potential jurors claimed some prior knowledge of the case from media coverage, making the act of trimming the pool down to 12 jurors and two substitute candidates a slow process.

“It’s not unexpected that they’re taking so long in selecting a jury,” said Matthew Mauk, attorney with the Ostebee Law Office.

Mauk had no professional affiliation with the case, and instead came to listen to the arguments that the attorneys would be making.

“We don’t get to see something of this scope very often around here,” he said.

Court proceedings will continue Wednesday at the Story County Justice Center with additional questions for the jury. The judge said he expects to have the selection completed by Wednesday.

If Spellman is found guilty on the two counts of first-degree murder, he faces life in prison.