Photo: Alanna Kelly

A jury has been selected for the trial of one of the accused in connection to the death of Roxanne Louie.

One hundred and fifty prospective jurors lined the staircase of the Kelowna Law Courts on Monday at 9 a.m. and spent a long day of deliberations.

Twelve people were selected for the trial, which is expected to last until April 14.

Grace Robotti, 65, is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in connection to Louie's death and pleading guilty to indignity to a human body and accessory after the fact.

Grace's co-accused, her brother Pier Robotti, 61, already completed his trial earlier this month. However, the verdict is sealed in a publication ban to protect the integrity of the second trial.

Louie was first reported missing after she failed to show up at the Penticton Regional Airport for a flight back to Vancouver in January 2015.

Her body was found in the Naramata area days later following an extensive search.

Louie was a single mother and leaves behind a young son.

The trial was moved to Kelowna last summer.

The accused was concerned he would not get a fair trial in Penticton, as the majority of people in the city are familiar with the case. He also felt threatened by badges worn by Louie supporters with the word "justice" on them.

Widespread sympathy for the victim would create an emotionally charged atmosphere, said the judge.