Trial begins in ND murder-for-hire scheme

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Jury selection is complete in the case of an Oklahoma man accused of killing a Fargo dentist in a murder-for-hire scheme.

Nine women and three men are seated to hear the case, and opening statements are set to begin at 3:15 p.m.

Authorities say Michael Nakvinda of Oklahoma City beat Philip Gattuso (guh-TOO'-soh) to death last year in exchange for $3,000 from Gattuso's former father-in-law.

Nakvinda has pleaded not guilty in state court to charges of intentional homicide, robbery, burglary and theft. Prosecutors allege that Gene Kirkpatrick, the father of Gattuso's late wife, paid Nakvinda to kill Gattuso because Kirkpatrick did not agree with the way his granddaughter was being raised.

Judge Frank Racek estimates the trial will last between six and nine days.

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