DURHAM, N.C. — Testimony started Monday in the murder trial of a man accused in a drunken-driving crash that killed a Durham grandmother.

Kenneth Maready is facing second-degree murder charges, as well as others, in connection with the death of Kay Stokes, 61.

Investigators say Maready, who has been convicted nine times on prior DWI offenses, was driving a stolen pickup truck in February 2005 when he crashed into Stokes.

He also had a revoked license and his blood-alcohol level may have been three times the legal limit when he hit Stokes' vehicle, authorities say.

The deputy who tried to stop Maready was one of the first witnesses called to testify.

Last week, the judge presiding over the case declared a mistrial after he mistakenly told jurors about Maready's prior DWI convictions.