Published: June 23, 2009 08:58 am      

8 jurors picked for trial in cheerleader's stabbing death

PITTSBURGH — The trial of Pittsburgh-area man charged with fatally stabbing a 16-year-old high school cheerleader will begin after attorneys select four more jurors and two alternates.

Eight jurors were picked Monday for the trial of 20-year-old John Mullarkey Jr. He’s charged with criminal homicide for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Demi Cuccia, 16 times in August 2007 in Monroeville.

Cuccia was a cheerleader at Gateway High School in Monroeville. Mullarkey had graduated from the school.

Police say Mullarkey fatally stabbed the girl before trying to cut his own throat.

Defense attorney Robert Stewart says his client may have been affected by the acne drug Accutane, which has been linked to suicides and depression.