Terrico Bethel defense attorney rushed to hospital, Sweeney murder case delayed

TULSA - The continued jury selection in the Neal Sweeney murder case ended with a defense attorney at the hospital Tuesday.

Sharon Holmes, defense attorney for 26-year-old Terrico Bethel, reportedly experienced a medical emergency during her lunch break Tuesday and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

There has been no word yet on Holmes' condition.

The judge sent the jury home and told them to return the courthouse Wednesday morning but hinted the proceedings may be delayed until at least Thursday.

Selection proceedings began late Monday afternoon for Bethel, one of four suspects who will stand trial for the 2008 murder of Sweeney, a Tulsa businessman.

Sweeney was shot and killed that September at his east Tulsa office. Prosecutors believe his death was the result of a conspiracy led by Mohammed Aziz, the owner of a Tulsa convenience store.

Investigators say Aziz sought to retaliate for Sweeney cutting off fuel to Aziz's gas station.

Authorities believe Bethel was the gunman and brothers Fred and Allen Shields and their cousin, Alonzo Johnson, were also involved.

Aziz pleaded guilty in January to soliciting the murder. He has not yet been sentenced.

Johnson's trial is set to begin Aug. 20. He is scheduled to next appear in court July 5.

Allen Shields cut a deal with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony in the trials of the other suspects; however, he killed himself during a hostage standoff with police in April 2011.