WOODBINE, Ga. -- Jury selection is under way in the trial of Dr. Noel Chua who is accused of second-degree murder and drug charges in the death of his roommate, Jamie Carter III.

Prosecutors said 20-year-old Carter died as a result of an overdose on drugs that Chua, 45, prescribed, even though he was not under Chua's treatment.

During proceedings at the Camden County Courthouse on Tuesday, half of a jury pool of about 250 people was eliminated. The trial itself will be held in Brunswick to limit the involvement of Camden County Sheriff Bill Smith, a longtime friend of Chua.

The jury -- 12 jurors and three alternates -- is expected to be sequestered during the proceedings, which are expected to last five days.

Chua supporters -- including Smith -- have petitioned the court, circulated petitions and held demonstrations asking that Chua be allowed to post bond. Superior Court Judge Amanda Williams has denied bond, calling Chua a flight risk.

The Georgia Board of Medicine has revoked Chua's medical license. His office in St. Marys has remained closed since his arrest in September 2006.