Trial Begins in Spelman Student Slaying

ATLANTA (AP) — Jury selection began on Tuesday in the trial of 21-year-old Devonni Benton, who is charged with murder in the shooting death of a Spelman College student.

The student, 19-year-old Jasmine Lynn of Kansas City, Mo., was struck in the chest by a bullet on Sept. 3 as she walked on the Clark Atlanta campus with friends and a fight broke out nearby. A Clark Atlanta student was wounded.

Benton's lawyer says his client was involved in the fight but was not carrying a gun.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard says he believes Benton was the shooter.

The prosecution agreed on Tuesday to drop a charge of gang activity against Benton.