Bernie Tiede smiles after a court hearing on May 6, 2014, granting his release at the Panola County court house in Carthage, Texas. Tiede had been sentenced to life for killing 81-year-old widow Marjorie Nugent for her fortune. Tiede now faces a new sentencing in the case that inspired the dark comedy "Bernie." (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

1. East Texas man who inspired film ‘Bernie’ to return to court
2. Real-life ‘Bernie’ murder case back in court
3. Testimony continues in Bernie Tiede hearing, day 3
4. Closing arguments start for Bernie Tiede sentencing retrial in Henderson
5. Jury sends Bernie Tiede, East Texas mortician who inspired film ‘Bernie,’ back to prison

HENDERSON, Texas (AP) – Jury selection is expected to begin Friday in the sentencing trial of an East Texas mortician whose murder case inspired the dark comedy “Bernie.”

Bernie Tiede was convicted in 1999 of killing Marjorie Nugent, a widow more than 40 years his senior he befriended in the town of Carthage. Tiede was given life in prison, but allowed to go free temporarily after his original prosecutor said he believed Tiede deserved a lesser prison sentence.

The proceedings leading to his release began thanks to publicity from the movie “Bernie” – in which Jack Black plays Tiede and Shirley MacLaine portrays the widow, Marjorie Nugent.

But at a new punishment trial, jurors could decide to send him back to prison.

The trial is expected to start next week.

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