BY STACI WILSON

The attempted murder trial of a New Milford man got underway Monday in Susquehanna County Court as seven man and five women were impaneled as jurors.

Jason Aronowitz, 42, is accused of firing two gun shots into the abdomen of Michael Reid, 28, in the parking lot area outside the Parkview Hotel in New Milford in May 2011.

In addition to the attempted homicide charge, Aronowitz, also faces counts of aggravated assaults, possession of an instrument of crime and flight to avoid prosecution.

The trial in front of President Judge Kenneth Seamans is expected to last for two days. Testimony will begin on Thursday, Nov. 8 and is expected to wrap up on Friday, Nov. 9.

District Attorney Jason Legg provided an outline of the case that he plans to present to the jury.

Legg said Aronowitz arrived at the Parkview after a confrontation with people at the Summit. He then, according to the district attorney, was thrown out of the Parkview and was overheard saying he planned to get a gun a shoot someone.

It was then, Legg said, the Aronowitz retrieved a gun from his vehicle and shot Reid.

Aronowitz’ attorney, Frederick Meagher Jr., told prospective jurors that his client would not be taking the stand during the trial.

He also said case was surrounded by the consumption of alcohol and use of drugs.

At a plea hearing held Friday, Legg addressed his concerns about alleged drug use by Reid. On Friday, Nov. 2, Reid pleaded guilty to a theft charge.

Aronowitz has been held on bail in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility since his arrest in May 2011.