Man faces first-degree murder in woman’s death

The trial of the Northwood man accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in the summer of 2013 is slated to begin today.

Tyrone Washington Jr., 41, is accused of stabbing Justina Marie Smith, 30, to death on the morning of Aug. 5, 2013, in Swensrud Park beore he reportedly fled the park in Smith’s 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Iowa State Patrol troopers arrested Washington in Scott County, Iowa, after leading police on a high-speed chase.

According to an autopsy, Smith died from what authorities described as multiple sharp-force injuries.

Washington was Smith’s live-in boyfriend, but Smith had requested a restraining order the month before after Washington allegedly assaulted and strangled her.

Washington’s trial was moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, from Worth County because of pretrial publicity and concerns about racial prejudices in the community.

According to the Mason City Globe Gazette, a hearing is slated to be held this morning prior to the start of jury selection on a defense motion asking that the court throw out the entire jury pool.

Washington has been in the Worth County Jail pending the trial.