Woman is accused in death of husband

When Larry Holman was found slumped dead in his car two years ago on a roadside in wooded Jefferson County near St. Louis, investigators initially thought the lethal gunshot wound to his head was from a hunting accident.

Prosecutors say they're prepared to show that's how Holman's wife planned it.

Jury selection is to begin today in Cape Girardeau County in the first-degree murder trial of Tammy Holman, accused of arranging her husband's November 2000 death.

The case is being heard on a venue change from Jefferson County, where Tammy Holman's brother-in-law is county tax assessor Randy Holman.

"The whole idea, apparently, was that this looked like an accident and everyone would dismiss it as such," Jefferson County Prosecutor Bob Wilkins said.

Authorities say the plan unraveled when the alleged gunman, Charles L. Miller, 49, of De Soto, reported his involvement to one of Tammy Holman's relatives, who told authorities. Family members say Larry Holman, 44, considered Miller a friend.

A building contractor and family friend, Miller, 44, testified during Tammy Holman's April 2001 preliminary hearing that he was infatuated with Tammy Holman and thought Larry Holman mistreated her.

Miller said he agreed to kill Larry Holman because he believed he could then move in with Tammy Holman and start a new life.