Trial of ex-broadcaster Marinello to begin

LAFAYETTE, La., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Former radio broadcaster Vince "Vinnie" Marinello is set to face a tough trial in Lafayette, La., for allegedly killing his wife, a professor says.

Loyola Law School professor Dane Ciolino said prosecutors in Marinello's upcoming trial are armed with a litany of evidence that allegedly ties the former radio show host to the 2006 death of his wife, Liz, The New Orleans Times-Picayune said Saturday.

Marinello's estranged wife was shot twice in the face on Aug. 31, 2006, and died within a day from those injuries.

Marinello was indicted on second-degree murder charges on Dec. 7 of that same year and now jury selection in the case is scheduled to begin Monday.

The former sportscaster has maintained his innocence in the death of his wife and Ciolino has credited Marinello's defense lawyers with their strong pretrial efforts to date.

"But to exonerate him at trial, they're going to have to pull a herd of rabbits out of a hat," Ciolino added regarding Marinello's defense team.

The Times-Picayune said if convicted of the second-degree murder charges, Marinello would face a possible life prison sentence.