Jury seated in Elias Abuelazam trial - WNEM TV 5

A jury has been seated in the trial of an Israeli-born man who faces his first murder case stemming from mysterious stabbings nearly two years ago that left Flint terrorized.

The process took about 2 1/2 days. The 12-person jury will have four alternatives, consisting of 12 women and four men.  

After the jury was seated, Judge Judith Fullerton denied a change of venue motion.

Elias Abuelazam, 35, is charged with three murders and six attempted murders in the Flint area, although authorities believe he's responsible for as many as 14 stabbings.

The first trial will center on 49-year-old Arnold Minor's death. Minor's body was found in the middle of a busy street.

Testimony in the case is expected to start Tuesday morning.

Victims who survived the late-night attacks in the Flint area say Abuelazam would ask for directions or help with his Chevy Blazer before stabbing them and speeding away.

Police say Minor's DNA was discovered in dried blood in Abuelazam's SUV and inside luggage that was seized as he tried to flee to his native Israel in August 2010.

Abuelazam had lived in Flint only for a brief time in a house owned by an uncle who lived next door. He had spent time in Virginia before landing in Michigan and getting a $10-an-hour job at a liquor store in a tough neighborhood.

He is also charged with attempted murder in Toledo, OH, and suspected but not charged in attacks in Leesburg, VA.