A primarily female jury will decide the fate of a Cape Coral man, accused of fatally shooting and staging the suicide of his wife, as a result of jury selection during day one of the man’s trial in Lee County Tuesday.

Six women and two men were chosen to hear the case, two of whom are alternates.

Joseph Rodriguez, 83, of 2317 S.E. 27th St., is charged with the second-degree murder of his wife, Wanda Rodriguez, who police say he shot and killed June 27, 2007, in the couple’s home.

Rodriguez faces life in prison if convicted by a jury, and declined a plea agreement from the state for a 15-year sentence in the presence of presiding Judge Thomas Reese and members of counsel Tuesday morning.

Attorneys asked members of a potential jury pool questions about suicide, guns and violence, and about how their prejudices might affect their ability to serve as a juror.

Several said they knew someone who had committed suicide, and many said they owned or were familiar with guns either for hunting, protection or sentimental purposes. A few expressed their prejudices about the topics, but most said they thought they could be impartial.

Assistant State Attorney Leah Harwood told jurors a number of police officials would testify during the trial.

Jurors who knew police officers as friends or family members were asked by defense attorney Wilbur Smith if they would give an officer’s testimony more credibility than any other witness testimony. One potential juror said she thought officers were more credible in areas they were considered experts, such as forensics. Others said they were impartial.

Opening statements will begin this morning at 9, and the trial is expected to last two to three days, Reese told jurors.