Murder Trial to Begin Monday

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By Associated Press

Story Created: Nov 16, 2008 at 4:33 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM CDT

The trial for a Pennsylvania man accused of murdering a Northern State University student in 2006 is scheduled to begin Monday in Delaware County, Penn.

William F. Smithson is charged with the death of 23-year-old Jason Shephard of Cavalier, N.D.

Shephard was killed while on a three-day business trip to Pennsylvania as an intern for Brookings-based Daktronics.

Jury selection was completed earlier.

Authorities believe Smithson slipped Shephard a date-rape drug and then strangled him when he rejected sexual advances.

Smithson was a local manager for Daktronics.

Shephard's body was found in the basement of Smithson's Glen Mills, Penn., home.

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Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:06 AM Alison wrote ...

Just know Jason you will be remembered for the way you lived and not the way you died. Rest in Peace.

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