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Jury selection begins in Tamika Pledger trial,

Posted at 4:54 PM, May 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-23 09:53:12-04

The trial for Tamika Pledger began today. A former political candidate and activist in Kansas City, Kansas is charged with manslaughter after hitting a teen with her car.

Potential jurors were lined up at the Wyandotte County Courthouse Monday morning.

Pledger is accused of hitting a group of teens with her car in January 2015, killing one of them. The 41-year-old said she was on her way to break up a fight involving a relative when she crashed into the teens.

Sixteen-year-old Tierra Smith died.

Morris Letcher is Smith's cousin. He said the family is still coming to terms with their loss.

"The family wants justice. If justice is jail time so be it. We've lost Tierra. Whatever happens on that side, she'll get to enjoy her family after whatever happened with the jury." said Letcher.

Tarence Maddox saw the aftermath of the deadly crash on Troup Avenue and north 13th Street.

The community doesn't know where to stand. They've heard both sides and they don't know what to believe. I think it needs to be handled in court so the community can have closure. So the family can have closure and we can move forward," said Maddox.

Opening statements in the trial will begin on Tuesday morning.

EXTENDED COVERAGE: 

Judge rules Tamika Pledger to stand trial in crash case 

In 10 page document, Tamika Pledger refers to victims as 'contributing negligent parties' 

Tamika Pledger, charged with involuntary manslaughter, held in contempt of court