UTICA — Jury selection was held this morning in the murder trial of Matthew E. Westcott, accused of shooting and killing his brother in their Taberg home. The trial is expected to last a week and a half at Oneida County Court.

A jury of 10 men and one woman was seated by 1:30 p.m. Opening statements from both attorneys were scheduled for this afternoon.

Westcott, age 28, faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison if he is convicted of second-degree murder. He has previously turned down a plea offer several years in prison with no life sentence on a charge of manslaughter.

Authorities said on Sept. 17, 2021, Westcott shot and killed brother James Westcott, age 30, inside their family home on Route 69 in Taberg. In a statement he gave to state police investigators, Westcott said James had threatened the family earlier in the day, including threatening to burn down the house with everyone inside.

Westcott told investigators he shot and killed his brother later that day after spotting him with a gasoline can.

Westcott's brother, Micheal Westcott, had previously been charged as a co-defendant, on accusations that he stabbed James Westcott in the head after he'd been shot. Micheal has since admitted to lying to investigators about his confession, and now claims he never stabbed his brother. Micheal Westcott is expected to testify this week, where the topic of him changing his story is expected to come up.

During jury selection, Assistant District Attorney Todd Carville, the prosecutor, asked the potential jurors about their thoughts on violence and if it is ever justified. He also probed about the nature of police investigations, and how sometimes investigators get tunnel vision.

Meanwhile, Public Defender Adam Tyksinski, questioned the jurors about their thoughts on self defense and the right to own firearms.