Jury could be seated Wednesday in cabdriver death

NEVADA - Jury selection continues at 9 a.m. today in Story County District Court for the Cedar Rapids man accused of stabbing a cabdriver to death in an alley.

Johnathan Mitchell, 33, of Cedar Rapids, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery in the April 29, 2011, death of Cathy Stickley. Prosecutors added the robbery charge two weeks ago after information came out during depositions that indicated the incident started out as a robbery.

According to a criminal complaint, Stickley was found dead by her Century Cab vehicle in the 1500 block alley between Second and Third avenues SE. She died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.

The trial, transferred to Story County on a change of venue, is expected to last two weeks.

Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey will provide live coverage from the courtroom in Nevada as soon as testimony begins. Her live blog provides real-time updates on all the court action and allows viewers to comment and interact with her.