Trial Begins for Ex-Con Accused of Killing Lake Elsinore Man

MURRIETA - Jury selection got underway today for the murder trial of an ex-con accused of beating a homeless man to death with a rock during a confrontation at a Lake Elsinore transient camp.

Jason Lee Schmidt, 37, could face 51 years to life in prison if convicted in the June 2012 slaying of 58-year-old Leopoldo Navarrete.

Schmidt is charged with first-degree murder and resisting arrest, as well as a sentence-enhancing weapon allegation. He also has a felony strike on his record.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Michael Rushton summoned prospective jurors to the Southwest Justice Center...