Accused cop killer's trial begins Monday

Siaosi Vanisi is charged with first-degree murder for January's hatchet killing of police Sgt. George Sullivan.

Sullivan's body was found near his patrol car alongside an information kiosk on the campus.

Vanisi also is charged with robbery and grand theft.

Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Vanisi is convicted.

District Attorney Richard Gammick said he hopes to have a jury seated by the end of the day Monday. He has summoned 135 potential jurors for questioning.

Sullivan, a 19-year department veteran, was a father of five.

Witnesses have told authorities that Vanisi wanted to kill a police officer because of what he perceived as racial injustice against his fellow Tongans, according to court documents and testimony during Vanisi's preliminary hearing last month.

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