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Suspected Neo-Nazi To Go On Trial For Murder

Travis Ricci
Arizona Department of Corrections
Travis Ricci

An Arizona man who authorities say is a neo-Nazi is going to trial in a little-known murder case. He’s accused of killing a white woman because she was dating a black man.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Travis Ricci in the 2009 killing of Kelly Jaeger in Phoenix. Ricci has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors say Jaeger's death was meant to further the interests of the Vinlanders Social Club, a neo-Nazi group. Defense lawyers say Ricci wasn't a member of the group.

Lawyers are now picking a jury. Opening statements are tentatively scheduled for June 6.

The attack has mostly escaped public attention, with only a handful of print news stories produced on the case in the eight years since Jaeger's death.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Stina Sieg was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2013 to 2018.