SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Jury selection started Monday for the trial of Emrah Bulatci, who is accused of killing Hay River RCMP Const. Christopher Worden two years ago.

Bulatci, 25, is charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Worden in Hay River on Oct. 6, 2007.

He was arrested at an Edmonton residence Oct. 12 following a six-day manhunt that began after Worden was found shot.

About seven per cent of the city's population, 1,300 Yellowknifers, were summoned for selection at the Explorer Hotel - a record number for any NWT case.

Not that many people showed up at the hotel, however, a "number of people" were excused prior to Monday for various reasons, said court administrator Jeff Round.

Such reasons included not being able to commit to the seven weeks the trial is expected to last, or being on vacation during trial time, he said. Round would not give a number of those excused.

Selection was set to last a day and the Crown is expected to start its case today in NWT Supreme Court, said Round.