Prosecutors in Mississippi began questioning witnesses late Tuesday in the murder trial of a Lexington woman accused of killing her mother in 2010.

Officials in the District 1 District Attorney’s Office in Mississippi said the trial is expected to last all week.

Courthouse officials in Booneville said jury selection took much of the day Tuesday.

Rebecca Jones, 49, 1551 Lauderdale 450, Lexington, is charged in the May 11, 2010, shooting death of her mother, Jane Jones, 66, according to Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar.

Jones’ first trial began in October, but a mistrial was declared after she became sick and was hospitalized. She was out of jail on bail at that time and was staying in Lexington.

Prentiss County Circuit Judge Seth Pounds declared a mistrial and issued a warrant for Jones’ arrest as soon as she was released from the hospital. Law enforcement officials said Jones has been in the Prentiss County Jail since being released from the hospital in October.

Authorities said Jones is accused of shooting her mother twice — in the stomach and upper right arm — with a .38-caliber pistol after the two argued at Jane Jones’ house in Mississippi.

Attorney Robert Laher, of Tupelo, said his client maintains she is innocent and they look forward to proving that in court.

Tolar said the gun believed to be used in the shooting belonged to Rebecca Jones and was found at her mother’s house.

Authorities said Jane Jones was taken from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville and then flown to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo where she later died.

Tolar said Rebecca Jones told investigators that she visited her mother “and got something off her chest” during the visit.

The sheriff said Rebecca Jones said she and her mother were struggling over the gun and that led to Jane Jones being shot.

Reports indicate Jane Jones called 911 operators after the shooting and told the operator that she had been shot by her daughter.

If convicted, Rebecca Jones, who lives near the Center Hill community, could be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The trial continues today.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.