Resentencing Trial to Begin in SD Murder Case

     RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Opening statements are scheduled to
start Monday afternoon in the resentencing trial of an Alaska man
who helped murder a South Dakota man 11 years ago.
     Fifteen jurors will hear the case of Briley Piper though only 12
will determine whether Piper lives or dies.
     A judge initially sentenced Piper to death for his admitted role
in the March 2000 killing of 19-year-old Chester Poage (pohg) near
Spearfish. The South Dakota Supreme Court later ruled that the
30-year-old Anchorage native should have been sentenced by a jury.
     Two other men were involved in the killing. One was executed and
the other got life in prison.
     Piper's sentencing was moved to Pennington County at the request
of his defense attorneys.