Jury Selection Begins in Murder Trial
Jury selection began Tuesday in the murder trial of Timothy Chrestman, the 19-year-old Port Hueneme man accused of fatally shooting a Simi Valley man and his dog at the Middle Lions Campground last March.
Lawyers said they hope a jury will be seated by week’s end. The case will be heard by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles W. Campbell Jr. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday.
Chrestman is charged with shooting 24-year-old Andy Lee Anderson and Anderson’s dog March 4 in the mountains above Ojai and stealing the man’s pickup truck.
Investigators say Chrestman shot Anderson in the back as the victim stood next to the truck preparing to drive home after a half-day fishing trip.
Chrestman was arrested after authorities found his wallet in Anderson’s blue truck, which was discovered abandoned in West Hollywood two days after the killing.
In December, Anderson’s parents filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Chrestman and his parents. Carolyn and Bobby Lee Anderson charge that Harold and Susan Chrestman provided the defendant with the shotgun that was used in the shooting.
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