LEWISTON, ID -- Jury selection has begun in the first-degree murder trial of a Lewiston man accused of strangling his wife to death on Valentine's Day.

Thirty-nine-year-old Gary W. Mallory II faces life in prison if convicted in the death of Charlene M. Mabie.

Prosecutors say 48-year-old Mabie was found dead in the basement bedroom of the couple's Lewiston home on Feb. 14, 2009.

Mallory has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and felony domestic battery in the case.

The Lewiston Tribune reports jury selection began Monday, and opening arguments are slated to begin Wednesday.