BY DANNY O'ROURKE
STAFF WRITER

LOS ANGELES -- Following another postponement in the first-degree murder trial of Sharon Wolfe, the prosecution and defense moved quickly in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday to set the stage for the second of the two Painseeker Murder Trials, impaneling a group of twelve jurors and three alternates on the first day.  Judge Michael Rodriguez instructed both sides to be prepared to deliver their opening statements on Tuesday.

Wolfe, a bodyguard, is accused by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Andrews of murdering her client, Raychel Wagner, a rising music star.  The case gained notoriety when it was learned that a web site dedicated to the victim was instrumental in the D.A.'s decision to press charges against Wolfe and the recently acquitted Laura Douglass.

During Douglass' trial the prosecution asserted that she and Wolfe acted in concert in the murder of Wagner.  However, the jury was apparently not swayed by his argument.

Andrews brushed aside questions that the prosecution of Wolfe has been hampered by his inability to get a conviction against Douglass.

"While there are a number of reasons for the jury's decision, we believe that there are still significant facts that remain uncontested from the trial of Laura Douglass that we expect to play a major part in the prosecution of Sharon Wolfe."

Many interpreted Andrews' comments to be a veiled criticism of Douglass' defense attorney, Les Levin.  During the trial, Levin's combative style dominated the room and clearly impressed the jury, even when he seemed to be losing the argument.

Due to financial considerations, Wolfe has been forced to utilize a public defender, Wendy Timmerman.  Ms. Timmerman publicly acknowledges her inexperience regarding the complexities of murder trials; however, she claims that she has an expertise that the prosecution lacks.

"I know the truth of the matter, " she states flatly, "and we, unlike the prosecution, are not afraid to let it come out."

Ms. Timmerman also acknowledges that she attended court each day of Laura Douglass' trial, and has maintained a working relationship with Les Levin.

When asked to evaluate the defense, Andrews refused to make a direct comment.

"It is not my position to critique defense attorneys.  My job is to get convictions.  We have a strong case, and we intend to do that."

Andrews may also have another reason for denying comment.  It is believed that the alliance of defense attorneys Timmerman and Levin have already taken their toll on him.  Rumors of a deal between prosecutors and Sharon Wolfe surfaced numerous times prior to Douglass' trial; however, when the time came, it was the defense who produced Sharon Wolfe as their witness.  Many believed that the prosecution had intended to call Wolfe as a rebuttal witness, and found themselves double-crossed.

If these rumors are true, the ensuing trial could be more explosive than the first.