An Interlachen police officer who police said shot and killed his ex-wife last year will face first-degree murder charges, authorities said.

Jury selection got under way Monday in the case of Timothy Alessi (pictured, left), 42, who is charged in the murder of his wife, Pollyanna (pictured, right).

The trial is scheduled to take place in Palatka, 15 miles from Interlachen. Opening arguments are to be heard Tuesday.

Alessi was a 10-year police veteran and was off-duty at the time of the alleged shooting.

Family and friends said Pollyanna Alessi had a restraining order against her ex-husband, but she later asked a judge to drop the order.

Investigators said four children, including the Alessis' son, were present when Pollyanna Alessi was killed.