Jury Selection Begins For Needham Neighbor Murder Trial

NEEDHAM, MA — Jury selection started on Tuesday for the murder trial for Tammie Galloway. Galloway is accused of murdering her 81-year-old Needham neighbor, Laura Shfrinia, in May 2017.

On May 31, Shifrina was found dead in her home, located at an elderly housing department on Linden Street with lacerations to her neck. A medical examination determined that she had three broken ribs on the left side of her body and one on the right, according to a police report read in court.

During the investigation, police learned that Shifrina's car, checkbook, cell phone, and jewelry were missing. The car, a Ford Fiesta, was located in Dorchester.

Surveillance footage in Dorchester showed a woman who looked like Galloway near the car, with a purple purse and wiping down the exterior handles with bleach. Police located the purse while executing a search warrant on June 11. A gun and blood stain was located in the purse, which prosecutors say is a DNA match to the victim.

Along with the murder charge, Galloway is charged with home invasion, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Galloway has plead not guilty.