Jury Seated for Trial of Man Accused of Knifing Girlfriend to Death at Shopping Mall

MURRIETA - A jury was seated this afternoon for the murder trial of a Pala man accused of raping and repeatedly stabbing his 27-year-old fiancee at a Temecula mall while a sheriff's sergeant was trying to intervene.

Mickey David Wagstaff, 27, could face life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder and a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a sexual assault in the Feb. 12, 2009, death of Elizabeth Kellenbarger Amirian.

Opening statements in the case are expected Tuesday.

Wagstaff, who is being held without bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctiona...