Jury Selection Begins in Trial of Arizona Woman Charged in 2021 Indio Motel Shooting

Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of an Arizona woman accused of fatally shooting a guest at an Indio motel.

Prosecutors say 35-year-old Carla Flores is charged with first-degree murder in the 2021 death of 27-year-old Ashley Brito of Thousand Palms.

Investigators allege that Flores shot and killed Brito at the City Center Motel in Indio five years ago. Authorities say the shooting happened during an incident at the motel, though additional details surrounding the case are expected to be presented during the trial.

The case was originally being handled at the Larson Justice Center in Indio but was recently transferred to the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta due to courtroom availability.

Court officials say jury selection is beginning this week. Depending on how quickly a jury can be seated, opening statements in the trial could begin as soon as next week.

The case has drawn attention locally as prosecutors prepare to present evidence surrounding the fatal shooting and the events leading up to Brito’s death.

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