DUI Manslaughter Trial On Hold For Ex-Yankee Leyritz

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The DUI manslaughter trial of former major leaguer Jim Leyritz is temporarily on hold because of legal wrangling over key pieces of evidence.

A Broward County judge ruled Thursday that Leyritz cannot use the evidence in his defense. This included the 0.18 blood-alcohol content of victim Fredia Ann Veitch, her failure to wear a seat belt and evidence that Veitch was receiving text messages while driving.

Jury selection was to begin Monday. Leyritz attorney David Bogenschutz said that's on hold pending an appeal of the evidence rulings.

Prosecutors say Leyritz was drunk when the SUV he was driving ran a red light in 2007 and crashed into Veitch's vehicle, killing her.

Leyritz played for the New York Yankees and other teams over 11 seasons.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.