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Brian Dickson is accused of first-degree murder in the death of York University student Liu Qian.

A man accused of killing a York University student from China tried to plead guilty to manslaughter in her death as jury selection began Friday.

The Crown would not accept Brian Dickson's plea and will proceed with the trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Qian Liu.

Ontario Superior Court Judge Anne Molloy explained to the panel of jurors in a Toronto courtroom that the Crown intended to prove its case that Dickson is guilty of first-degree murder.

Liu, a 23-year-old English student from Beijing, was found dead in a basement apartment near the university on April 15, 2011.

Police have said she was chatting online via webcam with a friend in China when someone knocked on her door.

The friend was worried about Liu and his concerns led to the discovery of her body.

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