HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The jury selection process for Dixie Villa, who is on trial for manslaughter, began Monday morning.

About 120 potential jurors were called to district court. The prosecution and defense are working to limit the number to twelve plus three deputies.

Abigail Lobisch was 7 months old when she died on February 24, 2019 at Aliamanu Military Reservation.

Villa's trial has been delayed more than a dozen times for reasons including COVID-19 closures and a lack of witnesses.

“It’s just really unbearable,” said Katie Camario, a friend of the Lobisch family.

“Five years is a very, very long time to ask grieving families to wait.”

Villa is accused of giving the toddler a fatal dose of diphenhydramine, often called Benadryl.

Diphenhydramine was found in the toddler's blood and urine, although the drug is not recommended for children under six years of age.

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Camario said the delays have made it difficult for the family to move on.

“It would take a toll on any of us to lose a loved one in such a tragic way,” Camario said.

“Five years without justice, and that’s not okay.”

Tuesday is Election Day in the state, so jury selection continues Wednesday morning, followed by opening statements.

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