Replay live coverage: Brandon Brown murder trial

UPDATE: Opening statements will be delivered this afternoon in the Brandon Brown first-degree murder trial.

After two and a half days of jury selection, a panel of seven men and seven women was seated shortly after noon Thursday. Two members of the panel will serve as alternates should any of the other jurors not be able to complete their duty.

There are no black members of the jury panel. Both Brown and the victim, Donnelle Lindsey, are black. During jury selection, defense attorney Sarah Hradek said the case would deal with both race and violence.

Brown is accused of gunning down Lindsey, 30, of Iowa City, on June 21, 2012. According to witnesses and police, Brown asked Lindsey to walk down the street with him at 11:26 p.m. that night and an argument ensued. Police said Brown pulled a handgun and shot Lindsey multiple times at close range. Paramedics were called to 2437 Petsel Place and Lindsey was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he was pronounced dead.

Brown fled the area, but was arrested two months later on Aug. 21 at a home belonging to one of his friends in South Holland, Ill. Police tracked him there after receiving a tip Brown was in the area.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Brown faces a mandatory life sentence. The trial is scheduled for nine days.