Sixth day of jury selection overall and first day of general voir dire was completed today. 16 jurors were questioned by the judge and attorneys concerning their ability to be fair and impartial in considering the death penalty and other issues in the case. Eight jurors in the morning and eight jurors in the afternoon were examined. 6 of the 16 jurors were passed for cause and directed to return on Thursday, October 8, 2009 for the final jury selection process.
Of the other ten jurors, seven were excused for their views on the death penalty (could not consider or impose that punishment), one was excused due to health issues, and two were excused for prior knowledge or contact with participants in the case (one who knows the prosecutor and one who knows the Merrill family).
Jury selection resumes Wednesday morning at 9:00 with further voir dire of another group of eight jurors in the morning and eight in the afternoon.
Of the other ten jurors, seven were excused for their views on the death penalty (could not consider or impose that punishment), one was excused due to health issues, and two were excused for prior knowledge or contact with participants in the case (one who knows the prosecutor and one who knows the Merrill family).
Jury selection resumes Wednesday morning at 9:00 with further voir dire of another group of eight jurors in the morning and eight in the afternoon.
I'm so glad that a friend from LPD sent me the link to this site. I was a dispatcher and worked with Rich several years ago. My family and I will be following this trial.
ReplyDeleteStill so sad...and so sorry for your loss.
Amy Albertson