By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – Jury selection is set to begin today in the murder trial of Brian Patrick, accused of killing a Commerce man last June. The 25-year-old is charged with murder and one count of felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting death of 26-year-old James Prothro of Commerce. Patrick has entered a plea of not guilty to both charges.
Prothro was shot in the 600 block of Fourth Street in Commerce June 30th and was later pronounced dead after being transported by helicopter to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
Patrick fled the scene and spurred a massive manhunt by Commerce, Greenville, and Wolfe City police as well as the Hunt County Sheriff and Texas Rangers. Patrick was eventually apprehended by the Hopkins County sheriff about four hours after the shooting.
Patrick faces five to 99 years or life in prison if convicted.