Father Goes On Trial In Girl's Death

1-Year-Old Died Strapped In Car Seat Inside Parked Car

Published On: Oct 31 2011 05:47:43 PM EDT  Updated On: Nov 16 2009 10:51:57 AM EST
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -

A jury was empaneled Monday to hear the trial of a man whose 1-year-old daughter died when left in a hot car in June.

Omar Long has been held on $250,000 bond since his arrest in June on a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of his daughter, Arianna.

Long told prosecutors he did not know his daughter was strapped in a car seat in the back of the car when he took his wife to work, returned home and took a nap.

Family members found the girl unresponsive several hours later. She was pronounced dead at Flagler Hospital.

Long turned himself in to police two weeks later when he learned he was being charged.

Long's friends and family -- including another of his children -- say he is a good father and this was a tragic accident that could have happened to anyone.

They held a rally on Saturday to show their support.

A jury was expected to be seated Monday, with opening arguments in the case scheduled for Tuesday.

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