Brothers Facing Trial In Murder-For-Hire Scheme
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Opening statements are expected this week in the trial of two brothers accused of carrying out the killing of a blind and mentally disabled man as part of an insurance scam.
Jury selection began on Monday in the case of brothers James Omar Clea and Kareem Jamal Clea, who are both charged in the February 2009 slaying of Lemuel Wallace, 37. Former Baltimore pastor Kevin Pushia has already admitted that he paid a hit man $50,000 to kill Wallace, whose body was found in a bathroom stall in a city park.
Prosecutors say James Clea introduced Pushia to his brother, who was then paid to execute Wallace. Pushia had taken out several life insurance policies in Wallace's name, naming himself as the beneficiary.
The brothers have pleaded not guilty.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
