Trial opens for Cleveland man accused in 11 deaths

CLEVELAND (AP) - A convicted sex offender is going on trial in Cleveland on charges that he killed 11 women and hid their remains in his home and backyard.

Jury selection is to start Monday in the trial of 51-year-old Anthony Sowell (SOH'-wehl). He has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Police began pulling the remains of the women from the depths of his rundown white duplex in November 2009.

Angry relatives contend police never bothered to look for their loved ones because they were addicted to drugs and lived in a poor and dangerous part of town. All the victims were black. Most were strangled with household objects.

The trial is expected to last several weeks

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