Almost two years after Sgt Ryan Russell was killed when he was hit by a stolen snow plow, jury selection will begin in the case against the accused.

46-year-old Richard Kachkar is charged with first-degree murder.

He made a court appearance Monday as the court discussed administrative details to get ready for the jury selection.

Kachkar sat quietly as the judge and lawyers went over details. He was wearing beige pants and a navy sweatshirt. With a beard and short hair, he slouched in his seat and only looked up every couple of minutes.

Jury selection will begin on Thursday and the Crown expects it to last two to three days.

Kachkar's defence lawyer says about 500 people are expected to come through the courtroom. Twelve of them will be chosen to sit on the jury and two others will be chosen as alternates.

The trial is expected to start on February 4th and last two to two-and-a-half months.