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Trial begins today for officer who shot seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones

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The trial of a Detroit police officer who fatally shot a seven-year-old girl began today.

Officer Joseph Weekley shot Aiyana Stanley-Jones during a botched raid for a murder suspect in 2010. 

Weekley is charged with involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors say he showed "gross negligence" in shooting the little girl. 

But Weekley's lawyer, Steve Fishman, says Jones' grandmother struck Weekley's gun, causing it to fire.

"And a little girl lost her life because of a tragic accident. But Officer Joseph Weekley did not walk into that house and shoot Aiyana Stanley-Jones without somebody doing something to that gun. And you'll be convinced of that beyond all doubt."

The jury will get to see video footage from the A&E show "The First 48."

That program's camera crew were filming Detroit Police during the fatal raid. 

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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