Dakota Hughes

Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of Dakota Hughes for the shooting death of his mother’s boyfriend.

Hughes, 23, of Eau Claire has been charged with homicide and aggravated assault in the March 2 death of Seth G. Smith, 27, of Venango County.

The trial is scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 12, before Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph Kubit, and it is expected to last three or four days.

In court hearings and documents, defense attorney Al Lindsay said he will argue the shooting was an act of self defense.

The shooting took place in the home Hughes shares with his mother, Carri McKinney, on Main Street in Eau Claire, according to state police.

Police said Smith and McKinney entered the home while Hughes was in the kitchen. Hughes asked Smith to leave and said he wasn’t welcome there, and Smith responded and was walking toward Hughes when Hughes shot him, police said.

Smith was found lying on the dining room floor with three gunshot wounds to his chest and groin, police said.

Hughes called 911, reported the shooting and said the 9 mm handgun he used was in his truck, which was parked outside the home, according to police. A 9 mm handgun that was apparently used in the shooting was recovered from Hughes’ truck, police said.

He has been held in county prison without bail.