DURHAM, N.C. — Prosecutors approved three more jurors for the murder trial of Michael Peterson, accepting a nurse, former nurse and a coffee distributor Monday.

Defense attorneys must approve the potential jurors before they serve on the jury. So far, six women and two men have been picked. Peterson, a novelist and former Durham mayoral candidate, is accused of killing his wife, Kathleen, in December 2001.

Prosecutors used a peremptory strike to dismiss a 68-year-old retired professor from North Carolina Central University who said he knew Peterson from working out at the YMCA.

He also said he had discussed the case with Nick Galifinakis, a Peterson friend and supporter, saying he told Galifinakis he was shocked that Peterson had been charged.

The prosecution asked Judge Orlando Brown in the case to dismiss the potential juror, saying that he has already formed an opinion about the case, but Hudson declined to dismiss the retired professor for cause.

Four more jurors and four alternate jurors must be selected before opening arguments begin.

Related Stories From Mike Peterson Case