PICKENS — The trial of a man accused of murdering a pawn shop broker in downtown Easley three years ago has begun.

Roger Eugene Shepard, formerly of Williamston, is accused of murdering John Larry Bruin, with Action Pawn Shop on Main Street in Easley. Shepard was apprehended in Montreal, Canada, and was brought back to the U.S. when Solicitor Bob Ariail agreed not to seek the death penalty.

Defense attorney John DeJong told Judge Edward Welmaker Monday morning that Shepherd is requesting to act as co-counsel and also wants to be able to cross-examine some witnesses.

Welmaker said he would decide whether to grant those requests later.

DeJong also asked that Shepard be unshackled.

“He doesn’t need to be in the shackles,” DeJong said. “That’s highly pre-judicial.”

Assistant solicitor Judy Munson said Shepard should remain handcuffed for safety purposes.

Welmaker agreed to allow them to take the chains off his hands, but they kept the leg shackles on.

After striking 29 potential jurors, Shepard’s defense DeJong and Munson chose 14 jurors — 10 women and four men.

After thoroughly telling the jurors of the importance of remaining impartial and not discussing the trial, he dismissed them for lunch.

Please check www.theeasleyprogress.com and the Wednesday edition of the Easley Progress for further updates.