The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

IOWA CITY, IOWA (AP) -- The murder trial of a former football player accused of killing his high school coach has been delayed.

Nancy Newhoff, media coordinator for the trial of Mark D. Becker, says the judge cited an impending snowstorm as he postponed the start of jury selection. Jury selection will now start Wednesday instead of Monday.

Butler County, where the trial is being held, is expected to get 10-12 inches of snow.

Becker is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his former coach Ed Thomas last June in the
Aplington-Parkersburg High School weight room.  Defense attorney Susan Flander has said the 24-year-old Becker
will use a defense of insanity or diminished responsibility.

The shooting has drawn national attention. 

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)