Trial Begins For OKC Man Accused In Deadly Road Rage Incident

On Monday the trial began for a man accused of killing a man during a road rage incident.

David Bloebaum, 59, is accused of the deadly shooting that claimed the life of 29-year-old Jason Yousif at a northwest Oklahoma City Super Target parking lot two years ago.

It was shortly after 3 p.m. that the jury pool of 70 men and women were brought in to be sworn in. Now it will be up to the prosecution and the defense to whittle it down to the 12 people who will hear the state's case against David Bloebaum.

Bloebaum appeared in court wearing a dark suit and dark tie. Also in the courtroom was his wife, who is in a wheelchair, and the family of Jason Yousif, the victim in this case.

Police reports state on Sept. 28, 2012, witnesses saw both Yousif and Bloebaum arguing in the Super Target parking lot near Penn and Memorial, and then heard shots fired. When police arrived they found Yousif lying on the ground and discovered he had been shot three times in the back.

Court records state Bloebaum admitted shooting Yousif at the scene, but his attorneys claimed it was in self-defense during his preliminary hearing. Police did find a knife at the scene and witnesses claim they did see a knife fall from Yousif's hands when he fell to the ground.

Witnesses had also told police they saw both Bloebaum and Yousif driving aggressively along the Kilpatrick Turnpike minutes before the deadly shooting happened.

9/28/2012 Related Story: One Dead, One In Custody After Shooting At Target in NW OKC

One thing the attorneys argued before the judge was what evidence would be allowed to be admitted at trial; namely Bloebaum's aggressive past.

Police reports show Bloebaum was arrested for pointing a gun at a man, his wife and kids during a road rage incident back in 2005. And that he was also arrested for grabbing and spitting on a woman back in 1991. The judge ruled that could be admitted as evidence in this trial. And that will no doubt play into how this defendant will be portrayed in the eyes of the jury.

News 9 has learned that Yousif leaves behind a 5-year-old boy. There was a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Yousif's family against Bloebaum and his car insurance company. That lawsuit was settled back in June and awarded the family $150,000.

News 9 spoke with Yousif's mom and sister who were in court on Monday. They had little to say, but said they are glad this day has finally come and that the criminal trial is finally underway.

Bloebaum is accused of three felony counts, including one count of murder and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon. Jury selection is expected to last at least a couple of days and The trial is expected to last at least a week.