Jury selection begins in club fire case

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Jury selection begins Tuesday in the trial of Michael Derderian, co-owner of a Rhode Island club where flammable wall coverings spread a 2003 fire, killing 100.

A jury pool of about 500 must be winnowed to 16 by next month, and testimony is expected to last eight to 10 weeks, the Providence (R.I.) Journal reported.

Witnesses will include experts and fire officials, as well as survivors describing what it was like inside the building after a fire set off by a band's special effects. There may be recordings from cell phones from people who died submitted as evidence, the report said.

Derderian has been charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, two for each of those who died. He is charged under two theories, both felonies.

Under misdemeanor manslaughter theory, prosecutors must prove he violated a state fire-code provision banning flammable wall coverings used as soundproofing. Under criminal negligence theory, prosecutors must prove Derderian knew he was putting customers in danger and ignored the risks.

The jury can find him guilty on both sets of charges, but he can only be sentenced for one, because the Constitution bars punishing anyone twice for the same crime, the Journal said.

The CourtTV cable network and local television will cover the trial.