Jury selection under way in Harold Free trial - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

Jury selection under way in Harold Free trial

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Harold Free, 61 (Source: Shreveport Police Department) Harold Free, 61 (Source: Shreveport Police Department)
Terry "TJ" Johniken Terry "TJ" Johniken
SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

Jury selection has begun in the trial of a Shreveport man accused of shooting and killing his stepson.

61-year-old Harold "Bo" Free, is charged with second degree murder in the death of his 21-year-old stepson, Terry "TJ" Johniken.

The shooting took place during at a home in the 6700 block of Jefferson Paige Road in August 2010. Detectives say Free shot TJ Johniken in the head with a handgun during a family argument. He died the following day.

Johniken's mother says her son was shot trying to defend her. Free is expected to claim self-defense.

The family of Terry Johniken says it has been one trial delay after another, and they are tired of waiting to get justice for their loved one. According to the Caddo District Attorney's office the delay of a trial was caused after a hand full of bond reduction hearings, as well as a request by the defense for more time to prepare as new attorneys were being brought on.

"It's like you can't go forward. You can't go backward. You have to sit and wait for the trial to get here, and over before you can go forward," said Kathy Free, Terry's Mother.

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