Murder/Arson Trial in Longview

GREGG COUNTY — Jury selection begins next Monday for 34-year-old Toronto Eldermek Lockridge, one of two men accused in a 2009 fatal shooting and arson. Lockridge, of Lakeport, faces up to life in prison for shooting 33-year-old Kelvin Muckleroy. Muckleroy�s body was found inside the torched remains of his Chappell Street home, but investigators determined he was shot before the house fire was set.

Lockridge had initially posted $150,000 bond from the Gregg County Jail in January 2010. He was arrested again four days later on a firearm charge, but posted a $35,000 bond on Feb. 18. He has been in jail since Dec. 7 on his latest charge � aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for threatening a witness in Muckleroy�s homicide � authorities said. He remains jailed on $150,000 bond.

Gregg County District Judge Alfonso Charles in November convicted co-defendent Brandon Quadnell Horne, 31, of Longview, for his part in Muckleroy�s slaying. A sentencing hearing has not been set, and Horne remains in the Gregg County Jail, records showed.