Deputy’s negligent homicide trial under way

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) – Jurors are being selected in a La Crosse County courtroom for the trial of a sheriff’s deputy accused of homicide by negligent use of a vehicle.

Deputy Trisha Stratman had her squad lights and siren activated while responding to an emergency call in July 2010. Prosecutors say Stratman was going about 100 mph when she ran through a red light at a county intersection and collided with a car, killing the driver, 16-year-old Brandon Jennings of Holmen.

WXOW-TV reports that a judge from outside the county is presiding over the trial because of Stratman’s former position as a deputy. Prosecution of the case is being handled by the state attorney general’s office.

Law enforcement is watching the case which could hinge on whether Stratman had special privilege under state law because she acted in good faith while performing her duties as a sheriff’s deputy.

Information from: WXOW-TV, http://www.wxow.com

Read more on the case

• Parents of teen killed in crash settle negligence claim
• Jury acquits ex-deputy in fatal crash
• Testimony in fatal crash trial too much for juror
• Deputy’s negligent homicide trial under way
• Former deputy charged with homicide appeals firing
• La Crosse Co. deputy wants to move felony trial
• La Crosse Co. deputy facing felony is fired
• Deputy pleads not guilty in fatal July crash