Alabama Woman on Trial for Allegedly Killing Son in House Fire

RUSSELVILLE, Ala. – A woman accused of setting a fire that killed her 6-year-old son is going on trial in a capital murder case.

Authorities say 30-year-old Christie Michelle Scott of Russellville intentionally started the fire on Aug. 16, 2008 for monetary gain. Prosecutors say she purchased a life insurance policy for her son, Mason, shortly before his death.

Jury selection began on Monday in Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey's courtroom. If convicted of capital murder, Scott could receive a death sentence.

Defense attorney Robert Tuten said it could take a week just to get a jury.